What You Should Know About Mold Risks and Remediation

Posted by Justin Havre on Friday, April 19th, 2019 at 8:47am.

The Straight Facts on Mold RemediationMold remediation can be a complex issue for homeowners if they have little to no experience with it. Mold removal is very important if a homeowner is considering selling their home. The sheer number of mold species would be enough to exhaust anyone before even getting started. Understanding mold risks and remediation starts with addressing the serious nature of the substance. Unlike mildew, mold typically can't be treated with regular cleaners. Here are a few tips for homeowners if the moisture in the surrounding air is causing an unwanted mold infestation.

Illness Risks

Mold can cause respiratory problems if residents are exposed to it over a prolonged period. Experts recommend seeing a doctor if anyone in the home is experiencing unexplained cold- or flu-like symptoms. Even if there are no health problems though, everyone should still stay away from the area until the mold has been fully removed. Homeowners should also scrape a sample of mold from the surface and have it examined or tested. Some species are more dangerous than others and may have different risks for removal.

Finding the Root

The root cause of mold isn't always easy to identify but it helps to know the most common culprits:

  • Leaky pipes
  • Unsealed entrances
  • Appliances
  • Sinks/showers

Eliminating mold may be as simple as fixing the seal of a refrigerator or tightening a pipe. There are DIY testing kits that homeowners can buy if they don't want to call on a professional. In some cases, a home may have two types of mold, so it's important to examine the mold before testing.

Seeking Help

In its worst forms, mold can be a deadly force for homeowners to contend with. A DIY job may seem simple enough—until a homeowner considers how much ventilation is available within the tight space. Buying the safety equipment needed to do the job properly may cost more than hiring a professional. In addition, mold can be a sneaky substance that can hide in the walls or behind fixtures. Experts recommend finding professional help unless the homeowner is certain they have only a tiny patch that can be vanquished with standard cleaners.

Home Insurance Tips

Mold may be covered by homeowners insurance if it's the result of a covered peril. If an appliance begins to leak from old age, then home insurance would not cover the resulting mold. However, if a pipe in the bathroom burst due to pressure from a storm, then this may be covered by home insurance. If home insurance will cover some or all of the removal expense, homeowners are encouraged to hire a professional who is as reputable as they are transparent about their results. Mold remediation professionals should be confident enough in their work to allow for third-party retesting.

Stopping the Mold

Williamstown homeowners can't prevent all mold, but they can reduce their chances of having it in their home. The first steps should always be standard maintenance. From the flashing on the roof to the gasket of the dishwasher, there are plenty of places where moisture can cause a problem. The more aware and involved a homeowner is, the more likely they'll catch the mold before it becomes an infestation.

Too many homeowners dismiss the effects of mold without realizing its true dangers or the rate at which it can spread. Knowing the basics of mold remediation can help homeowners make a plan to remove it from the home.

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