Mold Pros Consulting

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover mold damage?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:15:43 +0000

Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover mold, especially if the mold results from a maintenance issue,
like poor ventilation, leaky plumbing, clogged rain gutters, or a malfunctioning air-conditioner.

Mold may be covered if you can establish that it resulted from a covered peril, such as rain that entered the home.

Be aware, though, that some policies have an absolute mold exclusion.

How do I know if the mold is gone?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:49:38 +0000

If the mold has been removed and the moisture problem has been fixed, the mold will probably not flourish again.

Remember that mold needs moisture in order to survive. If the area is visible, you can check it from time to time to ensure that mold has not returned.

Do I need to call a professional?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:49:05 +0000

Do I need to call in a mold removal professional?

If the mold is confined to an area no larger than 3′ x 3′, you can probably handle the job yourself. Read the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mold Cleanup Guidelines for cleanup how-to and safety precautions.

If the mold covers a larger area, or is a result of extensive water damage or sewer water, you’ll need professional help. It’s important to hire someone with experience and someone who has the right tools to keep the mold contained.

Plan on requesting quotes from at least three contractors. If your state contractor licensing board regulates mold remediation, find out if your potential contractors have a mold remediation license.

Be sure to ask contractors for references and check them. And, contact the Better Business Bureau before you make any hiring decisions. The Restoration Industry Association may also be able recommend professionals or provide guidance.

What is a Mold Inspection

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:46:54 +0000

A quality mold inspection will typically begin with a thorough visual inspection
of the property. The investigator will be looking for any signs of current or past water intrusion since water or moisture is necessary for mold growth.The inspection will look for moisture around plumbing fixtures, attics, crawl spaces or basements and anywhere else a problem may be present. As is sometimes the case with small leaks in plumbing in the wall cavities the moisture may not always be evident. In those circumstances the investigator may use additional tools such as a moisture meter, boroscope, or infrared camera to look to for the moisture. If a moisture problem is found, the inspector will guide the client through steps that can be taken to correct the problem.

Depending on what the investigator discovers they may recommend taking air, bulk or surface samples to test for the presence of mold. It is imperative that the source of any moisture be identified and fixed to prevent future mold growth.

It is important to hire only experienced, qualified professionals for this vital task.

How can I prevent Mold in my home?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:39:46 +0000

Keep the humidity level in the home below 60%,
ideally between 30% and 50%.
Use exhaust fans while cooking and showering.
Make sure fans vent to the outdoors.
Ventilate and or dehumidify attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
Keep bathrooms dry and well ventilated.
Clean, dry or remove anything from your home that is water damaged within 24 to 48 hours.
Watch for condensation and wet spots.

How do I clean up mold in my home?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:39:11 +0000

A small area (less than 3 feet by 3 feet) of surface mold growing on places such as hard plastic, tile, wood and some drywall, can usually be cleaned by the homeowner (see below). For other items like upholstered furniture and carpets, a wet vacuum or steam cleaner may be used on small areas.

Consult a professional for larger areas and for general assistance if you are not sure about what to do.
Take the following steps to clean mold from hard surfaces in the home: First, fix any obvious water leaks or sources of moisture. Damp wipe or scrub thoroughly all contaminated surfaces with warm water and a non-ammonia soap/detergent. Rinse and thoroughly dry the cleaned surface of water and moisture.

If desired, you can use a bleach solution to disinfect the area after cleaning. This step does not prevent mold growth from reoccurring. Do not mix bleach with ammonia products. A toxic gas will form. Bleach may cause discoloration. Test a small area first. Wear gloves. Mix one-half cup of bleach per gallon of water and apply to surface. A spray bottle, mop or sponge can be used. Ventilate the area. Remove excess bleach solution and

How can molds affect my health?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:38:30 +0000

Molds produce spores, which are invisible and small enough to travel through the air and into your lungs. You can also be exposed to molds by skin contact.

The most common health problem from molds is allergy symptoms, including: Runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes, sneezing, and in more severe cases,

wheezing and coughing. Wheezing is a serious symptom that may mean asthma, and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Although some molds can produce toxins under certain conditions, research so far has not shown what levels can clearly cause serious health effects from indoor air exposure. If you think you have symptoms related to exposure to molds, you should see your doctor.

People sensitive to molds should not participate in cleaning mold from surfaces. If you are cleaning up mold, wear plastic gloves,

What causes mold to grow inside homes?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:38:06 +0000

Molds make tiny spores to reproduce, just as some plants produce seeds. Indoors, these mold spores move through the air and settle on surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin to grow and multiply.

Molds need moisture and a food source. Good food sources for molds are cloth, wood, wallboard and insulation, but molds can grow on almost anything. Water or moisture is the factor that limits mold growth. When there is a wet surface or material that is not dried or discarded promptly (for example, water discharged from a burst pipe), molds can grow within 24 to 48 hours in the area.

Frequent Causes of Mold Growth

◘ Basement flooding and
water intrusion
◘ Closeness to lake, river, or ocean
◘ Clothes dryer exhausting into
walls or attic
◘ Construction defects and
poor workmanship
◘ Crawl space
◘ Dryer venting into walls or attic
◘ Exhaust fans venting into
walls or attic
◘ Firewood indoors
◘ Flooding
◘ Lot grading downward to home
◘ High indoor humidity [60%+]

◘ Humidifiers & vaporizers
◘ Inadequate ventilation
◘ Indoor plants
◘ Overflow from tubs, showers,
sinks, & toilets
◘ Landscaping mistakes like
mulch & plant glut
◘ Leaky roof
◘ Venting inadequacies in
kitchen & bathrooms
◘ Sewage pipe leaks
◘ Siding water leaks
◘ Water supply pipe leaks
◘ Wood ed setting keeps out sun
◘ Wet clothes

Where Mold
Grows Best

◘ Attics with roof leaks or
inadequate ventilation
◘ Basements with dirt floors or water problems
◘ Behind and under showers,
tubs, toilets, and bathroom walls
◘ Books, magazines, newspapers
◘ Carpeting and padding
◘ Ceilings [from roof leaks]
◘ Ceiling tiles
◘ Clothing
◘ Crawl spaces

◘ Drapes
◘ Drywall in ceilings and walls◘ Garbage disposal
◘ Heating & cooling equipment & ducts
◘ Humidifiers & vaporizers [inside]
◘ Leather items
◘ Paint
◘ Paper, cardboard & other paper products
◘ Plants [house plants]
◘ Rags
◘ Upholstered furniture
◘ Walls [from siding, roof, &
plumbing leaks]
◘ Wallpaper & behind wallpaper
◘ Wood products

What is mold?

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:37:41 +0000

Molds are forms of fungi that are found naturally in the environment. Molds are in the soil, and on dead and decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds come in a variety of colors, including green, black, white, brown and orange. Molds can appear fuzzy or in slimy streaks. There is often a musty or earthy odor around molds.