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Mold Home Inspection
The photograph shows an advanced case of mold in a basement where there has been ongoing water intrusion. The mold damaged
sheetrock must be removed and the area must be serviced by a qualified mold remediation technician.
What Is Mold?
Molds are microscopic organisms that are part of the
natural environment. There are many types of mold, all require water, water vapor, or moisture to grow. Molds reproduce by releasing airborne microscopic spores. Mold can grow when the airborne spores come into contact with wet
surfaces.
Health Issues Associated With Mold
Molds produce allergens and irritants and can even produce toxic substances. Sensitive individuals can be subjected to
allergic reactions by inhaling or touching mold and these reactions can include headaches, dizziness, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, skin rash, eye, nose, throat and lung irritation. In addition, mold can cause asthma attacks
in persons who suffer from asthma and are allergic to mold.
Newer More Tightly Constructed Homes
Energy conservation regulations have had the positive effect of
conserving energy with the undesirable side effect of increasing the incidence of mold related problems in energy efficient new homes which are tightly constructed and well insulated. These homes have a lower air infiltration
rate and do not breathe as freely as older homes thereby trapping moisture vapor in the home.
Damage Caused By Mold
Mold can
damage structural components, walls, ceilings and floors, as well as furnishings. Mold is capable of growing on sheetrock, paneling, carpet, ceiling tiles, paper, insulation, furniture, curtains, and many other similar products.
Mold Prevention
The key to mold prevention is moisture reduction.
First, on the exterior of the house, it is important to keep excess water away from the house
by maintaining the leaders and gutters in a clean and free flowing condition; the land adjacent to the house should be graded to divert water away from the house. In addition, a clearance should be maintained between the bottom
of the exterior siding and the ground, shrubbery and trees located adjacent to the house should be kept trimmed to allow a flow of air around the house. Lawn irrigation systems should be installed in a manner that will not
saturate the ground adjacent to the house. Deteriorated wooden siding and trim should be replaced.
Second, on the interior of the house, all causes of water leaks and high humidity conditions in the house must be
corrected. Plumbing leaks and roof leaks of any type need to corrected promptly. Bathrooms must have a window or means of ventilation (even in bathrooms with windows, an exhaust fan is desirable). Laundry clothes dryers must
exhaust to the exterior. Plastic containers should be placed under all plants.
Third, some things to avoid. Hot steamy showers in bathrooms with no exhaust fans, kitchens with no exhaust fans, carpeted bathroom and
basement floors, failing to clean up wet areas within 24 to 48 hours, vinyl or other non-breathing wallpaper, over humidifying a forced warm air heating system, indoor humidity level that exceeds 40%, dark unventilated enclosed
areas (such as those under a basement stairway), wet cleaned carpets, inadequately grouted and caulked bathtubs and showers, uninsulated pipes upon which condensation forms.
Fourth, in areas susceptible to moisture,
utilize paint with an approved mildewcide. The use of a dehumidifier in the basement is recommended.
Concealed Mold
A musty odor, condensation on windows in the winter,
bubbling or dampness in a wall and water stains, may be indicative of concealed mold.
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