Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation

The presence of mold in your home is something that should not be ignored. If mold problems are left untreated, they can lead to allergies and respiratory problems. In addition to the health risks of mold, it can also cause structural damage to your home. You may be able to see or smell the mold, but often there are no visible signs.

Instructions

1. Mold often can be found in damp areas of the home such as bathrooms, basements and crawl spaces; however, any area that has constant moisture is susceptible to mold. This is usually the result of leakage, improper drainage and high humidity. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, you should have a mold inspection done. A mold inspection can pinpoint the mold and its causes and give you solutions.

2. You have two options for mold testing. There are do-it-yourself kits at most home improvement centers and on a variety of web sites. While they are relatively inexpensive, they may not provide a comprehensive report of the mold issues your home is facing, and you may be left with more questions than answers. An inspection and testing by a certified professional will be more thorough and complete.

3. Mold needs moisture to grow. During a mold inspection, the inspector will examine your house for problem areas that would promote mold growth. The inspector will check humidity levels, potential drainage issues, any possible leaks and air quality. Samples of visible mold may be taken. The inspector also will have the tools to look for and examine mold that cannot be seen behind the walls or in ducts.

4. After you have a mold inspection, the inspector should discuss the results and answer your questions. He will identify the cause of the mold and advise you on the best ways to correct those issues. You should also receive a written report detailing the inspector's methods for locating the mold, his determination as to its cause and recommendations for removing the mold. The inspector will not clean the mold, but he can discuss the best methods for cleaning and removal -- a process called mold remediation.

5. You may be able to clean small areas of mold yourself, such as the that you might find in the shower. However, if it is a large area of mold, usually defined as larger that 3 square feet, it is recommended that it be professionally cleaned so as not to release spores into the air. If you clean a small area of mold but it comes back it should be professionally cleaned also. Professionals that specialize in mold remediation have the equipment to safely clean and dispose of the mold, which reduces the health risk to those living in the home. If you choose to clean small areas of mold yourself, you should take precaution to protect yourself by wearing gloves, eye protection and a mask.

6. If you are considering buying or selling a home you should always check for the presence of mold by having a mold inspection as part of your home inspection. Mold disclosure laws vary from state to state, so check with your real estate agent. The presence of mold in a house can greatly affect the asking price. As a seller, it is in your best interest to address the mold problem before selling your home. If you are a buyer and a mold inspection turns up a mold problem, it does not mean you need to reconsider buying the house. As long as the steps are taken to correct the issue you can feel confident in your purchase. You can ask the seller to fix the problem using a certified mold remediation company or you can offer less for the house and fix the problems yourself.

7. To prevent mold in your house, you should examine areas prone to mold and fix any problems you find. It is important to address any moisture issues immediately. It may be as simple as using a dehumidifier in damp areas or installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Other issues such as cracks in the foundation or drainage issues may take a little more work to correct, but it will be well worth it if it prevents mold from invading your house. In the case of burst pipes or flooding, it is essential that you act quickly and thoroughly to prevent mold. Items that are wet need to be dried completely, if not, they will encourage mold growth. Items that cannot be quickly and completely dried should be thrown away.

References

• NDSU Extension Service; Remove Mold for a Healthy Home; Kenneth Hellevang
• University of Illinois Extension: Healthy Indoor Air
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Mold