Follow us

Mold is a Four – Letter Word

We love being surrounded by our beautiful waterways, but with so much moisture comes mold. More of our homes are infiltrated with the evil little mycotoxins than you think. “I am alarmed at how many homeowners don’t keep basement dehumidifiers going year-round,” says Debra Scott, an agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “Basements are a mold breeding ground.”

These mold spores can cause illness, with symptoms similar to those of Lyme infections. Think: respiratory issues, rashes, headaches and fatigue, to name a few. Mold can also be detrimental to the selling price of your house. “Before you put your house on the market, be sure to check out the most likely locations for mold: under sinks, in basements, crawlspaces, and attics,” says mold remediation expert Steve Levy of Certified Mold Inspections. “You can easily be risking tens of thousands of dollars by failing to deal with a mold problem before you put your home on the market.”

The bad news is, no matter how clean the home is all homes can be susceptible to a mold problem, especially if there are water events that are left untreated. If you suspect mold infiltration (things smell musty or you’ve had a leak), you will want to hire a Certified Mold Inspector (CMI) like Levy who, with a wealth of technology, will assess mold infiltration and customize a remediation strategy.

Visual Inspection
A mold assessment begins with a visual inspection of not only walls, ceilings and ventilation systems, but also cardboard boxes and books. “Environments that are overly cluttered or filled with dirt and dust can harbor and promote mold growth,” says Levy.

Infrared Test
Since moisture intrusion is often invisible, an infrared camera can detect temperature differences that may indicate hidden water or moisture infiltration.

Moisture Meter
This is used to map out potential hidden moisture.

Remediation
Removal of the mold and its sources. You can’t just kill mold, you also need to remove it, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

While it’s actually a myth that your home can be completely free of mold, it is also true that even if you can see only a small amount of mold it could be the tip of the iceberg. Says Levy: “What could be harboring behind wall and ceiling cavities could be much more extensive than you actually see. Mold is nothing more than a symptom of water and moisture intrusion.”

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD
– Any time you notice a water event such as a leak dry out the area within 48 hours.

– Maintain ongoing visual inspections to check on plumbing leaks such as under sinks or outside intrusion from windows. Tubs should be sealed completely.

– Climate control. Keep your home between 30 and 50 percent humidity. You can measure by relative humidity gauges.

– Keep your washing machine door ajar to let it dry out naturally. You don’t want mold on your clothes.

– Anyplace that remains damp and unventilated is a potential mold-forming zone. “Anywhere water travels” in a structure is vulnerable to mold, says Austin Reid, co-owner of Mold Masters in Southern California.

How to Clean Surface Mold
– Dilute with water such disinfectants as bleach, Borax, vinegar, ammonia and tea tree oil.

– A baking soda spray works well with upholstery.

– Wear rubber gloves, goggles and some sort of mask. The EPA recommends an N-95 respirator.

SHARE POST