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3 Things to understand about mold is...

 

1. that there is a little mold everywhere – indoors and outdoors. It's in the air and can be found everywhere:  plants, foods, wood and other organic materials of which our homes are made. Mold spores enter the home through doorways, windows, and heating/conditioning systems.  Spores also enter the home on animals, clothing, shoes, bags and people.

2. that mold needs moisture to grow. When mold spores floating in the air, drop onto areas where there is excessive moisture in your home, they will grow. Common problem sites include humidifiers, leaky roofs and pipes, overflowing sinks, bath tubs and plant pots, steam from cooking, wet clothes drying indoors, dryers exhausting indoors, or where there has been flooding. 

3. everyone is exposed to some amount of mold on a daily basis, most without any apparent reaction.  Generally mold spores can cause problems when they are present in large numbers and a person inhales large quantities of them.  This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth.

For some people, a small exposure to mold spores can trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems.  For others, symptoms may only occur when exposure levels are much higher. The health effects of mold can vary.  The production of allergens or irritants can cause mild allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

 

The importance of a Mold Inspection for:

 

HOMEOWNERS

A mold inspection will either put your mind at rest or make you aware of any problems that could otherwise cause delays or deal breakers once you’ve entered negotiations with a buyer.  A professional mold inspection will give you a signed report from an expert before you put the home up for sale.  Imagine being able to show a “clean bill of health” to potential buyers that express concerns – they’ll be impressed by your thoroughness and commitment to your home.

 

BUYERS

A mold inspection will ensure that you’re not surprised by costly clean up and the potential health hazards of mold.  If any mold is found to be present and active in the home, the mold inspection will allow you to ask the seller to do the clean up prior to buying the home.

 

Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

Yes.  If indoor mold is extensive, those in your home can be exposed to very high and persistent airborne mold spores.  It is possible to become sensitized to these mold spores and develop allergies or other health concerns, even if one is not normally sensitive to mold.

 

Left unchecked, mold growth can cause structural damage to your home as well as permanent damage to furnishings and carpet.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, "It is not necessary to determine what type of mold you may have.  All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal."

 

Can my home be tested for mold?

Yes.  I offer a thorough mold inspection that involves a visual examination of the most likely areas to harbor mold and moisture.  I also take air samples indoors and out to determine whether the number of spores inside your home is of significantly higher concentration than that of the area outside of your home.  If the indoor level is higher, it could mean that mold is growing inside your home. If visual areas are of concern, spot sampling can be taken for lab analysis.  I am a proud member of "IAC2’’ Certified Indoor Air Consultants.

 

How do I remove mold from my home?

First address and remove the source of moisture that is allowing the mold to grow.  Then take steps to clean up the contamination. 

 

Remember: If area is more than 10 square feet, an abatement professional should be consulted.

 

Should I have my house tested after removal is complete?

Yes, it is important to sample the air inside the home to insure that all mold and contamination has been removed. It is recommended that an independent mold inspector, other than the mold remediator, sample for the presence of mold concentration left in the home.