|
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOLD
What is mold?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that break down dead
materials. Molds reproduce by very tiny particles called
spores. The spores float in the air on currents and find
suitable spots to grow.
Why is mold a housing problem?
Construction practices produced tighter energy efficient
houses and outside air does not flow through. If a leak occurs,
wet
areas cannot dry out and this moisture supports mold growth.
Occurrences like clogged gutters, plumbing leaks or any
type of water intrusion can begin the process. Mold will
cause damage
to the housing structure if left untreated because it will
continue to grow and spread, eating building materials
like wood and drywall.
Is mold dangerous?
Mold spores can cause health problems such as:
- Asthma and allergic reactions
- Burning, watery, red eyes
- Respiratory problems or blurry vision
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Skin irritation
- Sore throat and dry cough
- Nervous system problems
Finding and testing mold
Alban Home Inspectors are trained to perform mold investigations
and tests. Our experience with moisture intrusion problems
permits our inspectors to assist home buyers and owners with
mold concerns.
We can sample visible mold for laboratory analysis to determine
the type of mold present in the house. Visible molds occur
anywhere moisture is found.
Should one or more of the red flags suggesting a potential
for mold infestation be observed, such as evidence of water
infiltration or construction defects, but no mold is observed,
air sampling can be performed. A client with allergies
is another red flag for mold testing
Can it be fixed?
In most cases mold problems can be fixed. Water problems
should be corrected. The damaged materials should be
replaced and
remaining affected areas cleaned. If test results show
toxic mold spores are present; you should NOT begin any
type of
remediation and a specialist should be employed.
UNDERSTANDING MOLD
Mold Growth
The key to understanding mold growth is to remember that in
order to develop, mold needs moisture, food, restricted ventilation
and a place to grow. Bathrooms, within wall cavities, under
carpets and musty basements are perfect mold environments.
Health Hazards
Mold contamination represents a potential health hazard to
everyone living in the home, especially infants and children,
pregnant women, the elderly, and people suffering from
allergies, asthma, other illness, or specific sensitivity
to mold. Health
affects of mold exposure are attributed to inhaling microscopic
mold spores and to the toxins produced by the mold.
Red flags indicating the need for testing
- Family member with allergies or other illness
- Visible mold growth
- Musty odor anywhere in home
- Evidence of present or past water infiltration
- Evidence of a condition that could lead to water infiltration
- Construction defects
- Poorly maintained or dirty HVAC
- Plumbing defects in kitchen, baths or laundry area
- Cracks in bath tile, missing caulk or failed toilet seals
- Leaking drains
- Carpet in direct contact with concrete
Inspection Practices
Alban’s professional home inspectors conduct investigations
(1) to find the areas of water infiltration into the home,
(2) to find conditions that may facilitate water infiltration,
and (3) to find other conditions that may promote mold growth.
Exterior and interior inspections focus on
musty or moist conditions to permit the inspector to identify
potential areas for mold growth. Deficient construction, improper
grading, use of wet lumber during construction, excessively
air-tight homes, siding or flashing failures, gutter and downspout
problems, or EIFS “imitation
stucco” siding can each cause water infiltration into
a home. The investigation also includes an interview with the
family to identify allergies and other health problems of family
members. Based on all information obtained during the investigation,
air, carpet or direct contact swab samples
are collected for laboratory analysis. A written report is
then prepared summarizing findings, laboratory results and
conclusions regarding the need for further study or remediation.
Understanding test results
Swab test results confirm the presence of mold and identified
species. Indoor air testing results identify species of mold
and quantify the degree of infestation. If the laboratory
report shows species of mold indoors that are not predominant
outdoors,
this indicates that mold is growing in the structure and
that the air quality is degraded. |
