It’s that time of year when the real estate market begins heating up in Atlanta, Georgia. More houses on the market to fill the need of anxious home buyers.
Many homes built since the 1970s are showing signs of mold growth because of the oil crisis that occurred. This event encouraged home builders to make the homes more air-tight, meaning there were less drafts that brought outdoor air into the home.
This trend to energy efficiency has led to mold problems because mold needs water and moisture to thrive and the air-tight environments trap moisture in.
The upside is energy efficiency has saved you costs on utilities.
The downside, indoor air quality has suffered because of mold growth! This has led to higher incidences of mold related illness and reduced home values because mold literally feeds on the home, impacting its structural integrity.
The major problem with mold is that it can be hidden. You could have mold in your home and not even know that you have it. Sometimes the only clue that you have mold is family members may be getting sick more often. The problem with hidden mold is the mold spores are not visible and because of modern day HVAC systems, the air borne spores will continue to be circulated in your home, thereby spreading the spores in every room of your home.
As a home seller or home buyer, you need to be aware of the potential concerns caused by mold. Consult with your Real Estate Agent and ask them to call Mold B Gone, 678-697-6267; for a limited time we are offering For a limited time, we are offering mold inspections.
If you are selling your home and know that you have mold, had past water leaks that have been fixed and/or experienced a major water event like a flood or sewage backup, you should disclose this information to the realtor listing your home to avoid potential litigation.
In a perfect world, the home seller will disclose this information, but let’s face it, we are not living in a perfect world.
When a home seller wants to sell their home, their objective is to list the property and get the highest price for their home. This is the reason they get the help of a realtor.
The only way home buyers can protect themselves is to take matters into their own hands and make sure that the home they are buying does not have mold or moisture concerns that could lead to mold.
Most home buyers rely on the expertise of their home inspector, but as this article explains, can you really just rely on the opinion of your home inspector? Are they experts in mold? Most home inspectors are not and they rely on the goodwill of referrals from realtors, so there could be an inherent conflict of interest.
This article explains why you should submit an offer to purchase, subject to a home inspection AND a mold inspection. It also reveals the top 3 reasons to have a mold inspection before buying a home.
What Is Mold?
What Is Mold?
A fungus, some molds are visible, in various colors–black, white, green, gray–and will likely give off a smell.
Mold is nature’s recycler. It is everywhere because it has an important purpose in our eco-system: to breakdown and eat dead organic matter.
Mold needs three important ingredients to grow.
First, a food source, dead organic material like wood, paper, carpet, etc.
Second, the ideal temperature of 41 degrees fahrenheit up to 100 degrees fahrenheit.
Third, and most importantly, moisture. Without moisture, mold will not grow.
Why Is Mold A Problem?
Aside from the structural and health concerns (asthma and chronic sinusitis for example) that mold poses, the other major concern is that mold is often out of sight and difficult to see.
Common reasons and areas of the home that mold can be found include:
Around leaking pipes, windows, or roofs. Water provides mold spores the moisture they need to grow.
Basements or other areas of the home that have flooded and were not dried properly.
Common with new construction is the practice of tightly sealing the building, which can trap moisture leading to mold growth.
Poorly ventilated homes that does not enable outside air to circulate in the home.
Some other clues that there could be mold in the home include the following:
Water stains on the walls and ceilings.
Musty odors in areas of the home like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and basement, where leaky pipes are commonly found.
Standing water in the basement.
Be particularly careful if you are looking at purchasing a foreclosed home. These homes are susceptible to mold growth because cost saving measures by the banks usually means they will shut down the HVAC system, which is a major concern because it results in high humidity levels and ultimately mold growth.
If you are buying a new home, you may think that mold will not be an issue either. New does not necessarily mean mold free for several reasons:
The trend towards building energy efficient homes may save money on heating and cooling. The negative, however, is that by building homes so that they are air tight could result in a lack of proper ventilation, leading to mold growth.
Simple construction errors like installing the vapor barrier when there is moisture present. This error will lead to mold growth because the moisture is trapped.
The time of year the home was built could also be a factor. If the home was built when there was lots of rain and the foundation was not allowed to completely dry before installing the insulation and vapor barrier, then moisture could be trapped behind the walls.
Cost saving construction measures is another factor. Home builders are using more Orient Strand Board (OSB) and less plywood and timber which provided some resistance to mold because these materials are semi-porous. In contrast, OSB and particle board are porous and susceptible to mold growth.
Top 3 Reasons To Have a Mold Inspection Before Buying a Home
Aside from the peace of mind that mold inspection offers, here are the top three reasons why you should consider a mold inspection when you buy a home:
Mold Remediation Can Be Costly!
Real Estate Agents Are Not Mold Experts!
Home Inspectors Are Not Mold Experts!
#1 Mold Remediation Can Be Costly!
#1 Mold Remediation Can Be Costly!
As stated in an earlier article, the cost of mold remediation will depend on three key factors:
1. How much of the area is infected with mold?
2. What kind of materials are infected?
3. How easy is it to access the mold?
On average, the typical household mold removal project will range from $2,000 to $6,000, but can be as high as $30,000 or more depending on the extent of contamination.
Considering the potential cost of mold removal, you are much better off finding out if there is a potential mold problem before purchasing the home. A mold inspection will provide you with the data you require to make an informed decision.
Best case scenario, no mold is found. Worst case scenario, mold is found, but then if you still have your heart set on the home, at least you now have some negotiating power to bring down the price so the home can be properly remediated before you move in.
#2 Real Estate Agents Are Not Mold Experts!
#2 Real Estate Agents Are Not Mold Experts!
The goal of every real estate professional is to list and sell homes. They will only make their commission when the property sells, so they have significant motivation to do what it takes to facilitate the sale. Their end goal is pretty defined: sell the home and collect the commission.
In addition, real estate agents are sales and marketing professionals, they are not construction experts and likely know very little about mold, where it could be found, and why it is a problem.
When listing a home, the agent is relying on the honesty and integrity of the seller who fills in a property disclosure form. If the seller fails to disclose a mold problem that has not been fixed and is trying to hide the mold problem by painting over it or trying to hide it, how is the agent going to know. How will you know?
Buyers should pay close attention to the property disclosure form because it could provide you with clues of potential moisture problems that could cause mold. Some clues include YES answers to these types of questions:
Is the property in a flood hazard area or an inland wetlands area?
Does the home have basement water, seepage, or dampness issues?
Has the home had roof leaks?
Does the home have any rot and water damage problems?
Does the home have any water drainage problems?
Does the home have any sump pump problems?
#3 Home Inspectors Are Not Mold Experts!
#3 Home Inspectors Are Not Mold Experts!
Mold sickness is considered a hidden epidemic for two key reasons. First, most physicians are not trained to identify or treat mold illness. Second, most homes have mold, but the owners do not realize they have mold because it is hidden.
Since some people get sick from mold and other’s do not, a family could have been living in a moldy home and never experienced any major health concerns. In short, a seller of a home could have mold and not know because mold can be hidden underneath carpet, a new paint job, baseboards, behind walls, above ceiling, etc.
Taking this into consideration, when you hire a home inspector, their primary concern is not to identify if the home has mold. Rather, they are inspecting the overall structural integrity of the home, the roof, wiring, bathrooms, plumbing, etc.
A home inspector may point out water stains or moisture concerns in areas of the home, advise you that your basement has an odor, identify water seepage or a leaky roof, but they will not tell you if you have mold, what type of mold you have, and how extensive the mold problem is.
As a final note, like many business owners, home inspectors rely on referrals. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest sources of referrals tends to be real estate agents, whose primary objective is to sell property. Mold concerns present challenges to home sellers and their agents. Could there be a potential conflict of interest?
Mold Inspections Are Important!
The process of buying a home is an exciting process. You have big plans for your new home! You are looking forward to the future in your dream home to raise your family.
But in all the excitement, many home buyers forget about the future problems that mold and past moisture issues could have caused. This fact is ignored because many home buyers think a home inspection is a enough to protect them from future and costly repair problems. This is the #1 mistake home buyers make; home inspectors are not mold experts!
The worst case scenario is you move your family and all your possessions into your new home and eventually discover mold. Now what? You can ignore the problem which could cause future health and structural concerns for your property or you make the financial decision to deal with your mold problem.
Both options can be costly. Ignoring the problem will reduce your property value as the mold eats away at your home, not to mention the potential health issues. Addressing the mold concern can also be costly because proper remediation needs to be done by professionals.
Likely, the last concern you have when you are purchasing a home is the potential problems that mold could cause. Once you find your dream home, you want to submit your offer and close the deal.
However, I caution against being too hasty. In addition to hiring a reputable home inspector, seriously consider the services of a mold inspector.
Mold inspectors are trained to not only identify the moisture issue causing the mold but will also provide you with information on what type of mold is growing in your home and how extensive the problem is.
As mentioned earlier, the best case scenario is that no mold is found in your home.
However, if the mold inspector does find a mold problem it is better to be aware of the problem so that you can adjust your offer, subject to mold removal by the seller along with proper clearance letters. If the seller does not want to cover the cost of the removal, then at least you can factor in the cost of the mold removal into the purchase price.
Bottom line, it is better to be safe and informed, then sorry. The relative cost of a mold inspection is minor compared to the overall investment into the home and the potential costly headaches you will face if you have to pay for mold removal in the future.
As mentioned earlier in this article, consult with your Real Estate Agent and ask them to call Mold B Gone, 678-697-6267; For a limited time, we are offering mold inspections.
Mold Fact 1: The Key Ingredient Mold Needs To Thrive Is Moisture
Mold Fact 1: The Key Ingredient Mold Needs To Thrive Is Moisture
Mold has a purpose in our eco-system, ie. to consume dead organic material. It poses health hazards when it begins growing in indoor environments. Mold gets indoors through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to clothing, animals, shoes, bags and more!
Commons sources of moisture include the following: flooding; backed-up sewers; leaky roofs and/or water leaks; humidifier which is not regularly cleaned and disinfected; damp basements or crawl spaces; house plants and their debris; steam from cooking and showers; wet clothes hung to dry indoors; inadequate air exchange; excessive humidity; and condensation, which is especially a problem during the winter, on poorly insulated surfaces.
To prevent mold growth, control moisture and maintain an interior humidity level of between 30 to 40%.
Mold Fact 2: Buildings and Homes Provide the Perfect Food For Mold
Mold Fact 2: Buildings and Homes Provide the Perfect Food For Mold
Since mold’s purpose is to break down and consume dead organic material, modern day buildings and homes provide an ample food source because they are constructed using materials that mold loves to feed on: wood & wood products; paper and other paper products like cardboard and wallpaper; leather; fabric and upholstery; grout; painted walls; cement; plaster (drywall); ceiling tiles; insulation materials; and carpet.
Mold Fact 3: Mold Needs Less Than 2 Days To Begin Growing
Mold Fact 3: Mold Needs Less Than 2 Days To Begin Growing
Mold requires three key ingredients to grow:
1. Food as documented in mold fact 2;
2. The ideal temperature of 5 degrees to 38 degrees; and
3. Moisture is the key ingredient.
In the presence of moisture, the ideal temperature, and ample food, mold will begin growing within 24 to 48 hours.
Mold Fact 4: There Are 3 Distinct Types of Mold
Mold Fact 4: There Are 3 Distinct Types of Mold
Of the 100,000 types of mold that have been identified, the three most common types of mold are:
1. Allergenic Molds are not usually life-threatening but are most problematic for individuals with allergies or asthma. The challenge is figuring out what mold is triggering the reaction. Children are particularly susceptible to mold allergies.
2. Pathogenic Molds produce an infection of particular concern if your immune system is weak or compromised. This type of mold can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an acute response resembling bacterial pneumonia. An example is Aspergillus fumigatus, which can grow in the lungs of immune-compromised individuals.
3. Toxigenic Molds produce mycotoxins that will make anyone sick. Possible reactions include immune suppression and cancer. Mycotoxins are chemical toxins present within or on the surface of the mold spore, which can be inhaled, ingested, or touched. An example of this is aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to mankind. Aflatoxin grows on peanuts and grains, and on some other foods.
Mold Fact 5: There Are 5 Distinct Species of Mold
Mold Fact 5: There Are 5 Distinct Species of Mold
The five most prevalent species of mold are:
1. Alternaria mold is commonly found in your nose, mouth and upper respiratory tract and can cause allergic responses.
2. Aspergillus mold is usually found in warm, extremely damp climates, and a common occupant of house dust. This mold produces mycotoxins which is a poisonous chemical compound. This mold variety can cause lung infections including aspergillosis.
3. Cladosporium mold is a very common outdoor fungus that can find its way indoors and grow on textiles, wood and other damp, porous materials. This mold triggers hay fever and asthma symptoms.
4. Penicillium mold is a very common species found on wallpaper, decaying fabrics, carpet, and fiberglass duct insulation. It is known for causing allergies and asthma. Some species produce mycotoxins, one being the common antibiotic penicillin.
5. Stachybotrys mold is extremely toxic “black mold” that produces mycotoxins that can cause serious breathing difficulties and bleeding of the lungs. This mold can be found on wood or paper.
Mold Fact 6: Most Mold Is Hidden
Mold Fact 6: Most Mold Is Hidden
Many people don’t think they have mold because they can not see it. That is a problem because common hiding places for mold include the inside of drywall, behind improperly installed showers, in leaking roofs, and in crawl spaces with poor circulation.
Mold can be detected through smell, visual clues, and knowledge of the building history, ie. was there a flood or indoor leak.
Mold detection requires trained professionals because they have the tools and knowledge to know what to look for.
The first priority of the mold inspector / indoor air quality specialist is to determine if mold is an issue. They will determine this with an interview to learn more about the building history, take moisture readings to determine if there is a source of moisture required for mold growth, and conduct visual inspections.
Other recommendation of the inspector may also include thermal imaging if an identifiable moisture source is not present, but mold is detected. The inspector may also take samples of suspect mold with a a swab test, tape sample, or air quality test. These tests will determine the type of mold and spore count present. The goal of the mold inspection is to determine the extent of the mold problem so recommendations can be made to bring the fungal ecology to a healthy level.
When sufficient moisture is available, hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi – particularly mould – pollute indoor air. The most important effects of exposure to these pollutants are the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies, and asthma, as well as disturbance of the immune system. Preventing (or minimizing) persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and building structures is the most important means of avoiding harmful effects on health.
Mold Fact 8: 1 in 4 People Have A Genetic Predisposition To Mold Illness
Mold Fact 8: 1 in 4 People Have A Genetic Predisposition To Mold Illness
Dr. Richie Shoemaker, a physician and expert in the field of biotoxin-related illness and author of the book Surviving Mold, believes that 25% of the population has a genetic pre-disposition to the mold illness, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), also known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS):
Genes made them prime targets for an assault by their own innate immune systems….exposure to the interior environment of a Water-Damaged Building (WDB), [causes] an innate immune response that is going haywire.
Individuals exposed to the toxins in a water damaged building suffer from chronic illness because their bodies are trying to eliminate the foreign substances that stay in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and multiple symptoms. It is difficult to diagnose CIRS because there are 37 symptoms: fatigue; weakness; aches; muscle cramps; unusual pain; ice pick pain; headache; light sensitivity; red eyes; blurred vision; tearing; sinus problems; cough; shortness of breath; abdominal pain; diarrhea; joint pain; morning stiffness; memory issues; focus/concentration issues; word recollection issues; decreased learning of new knowledge; confusion; disorientation; skin sensitivity; mood swings; appetite swings; sweats (especially night sweats); temperature regulation or dysregulation problems; excessive thirst; increased urination; static shocks; numbness; tingling; vertigo; metallic taste; and tremors.
Because of the large number of symptoms and different combinations that a patient can have, CIRS is difficult to diagnose.
Mold Fact 9: Most Doctors Do Not Have Training To Identify Mold Illness
Mold Fact 9: Most Doctors Do Not Have Training To Identify Mold Illness
According to the producers of the MOLDY Documentary released earlier this year, most Physicians do not understand or have the knowledge to properly diagnose patients with mold sickness:
Possibly every doctor in the United States is treating mold illness, and they just don’t realize it. (Dr. Scott McMahon, MD)
Mold Fact 10: Failure To Fix A Mold Problem Will Reduce The Value Of Your Property
Mold Fact 10: Failure To Fix A Mold Problem Will Reduce The Value Of Your Property
Mold is a serious issue. If you leave it untreated, it continues to grow. It leads to respiratory illness and it rots the wood, leaving the property valueless. (Ian Schlake of Respond and Rebuild)
In addition to the health concerns caused by mold, it is important to understand that mold is like a parasite or cancer and will continue to feed on your home until it is removed and the conditions causing the mold growth are fixed. Failure to fix the underlying causes of the mold and effectively removing the mold will lead to reduced property values caused by structural damage.
Got Mold Questions?
Questions about mold? Call us, 678-697-6267, or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you!
One of the most common problems we encounter is mold in crawl spaces. The purpose of this article is two fold.
First, we will answer the most common questions asked about crawl spaces.
Second, we will explain why crawl space encapsulation is so important by listing and explaining the top 5 reasons your crawl space needs a vapor barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crawl Spaces!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crawl Spaces!
If you look into your crawl space, you may notice standing water, moldy insulation, or a bad smell. Listed below are the top questions we encounter about crawl spaces.
1. Why Does My Crawl Space Get Wet?
Your crawl space could be wet for several reasons:
Cracks in the foundation or walls allow water and moisture to enter your crawl space.
Improper ventilation can allow moisture in.
Poor drainage systems also allow moisture and water in.
Poor maintenance and not sealing the dirt floor is another common reason your crawl space is wet or damp.
2. Why Should I Be Concerned About A Wet Crawl Space?
There are two key problems caused by wet or damp crawl spaces.
First, if your crawl space has standing water or is damp, this will encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Second, the excess moisture and mold will also cause wood rot and structural deterioration.
3. Will Vents Keep My Crawl Space Dry?
No!
Unfortunately, vents will not keep your crawl space dry.
Moisture and humidity can still accumulate in your crawl space, which in turn will lead to mold and wood rot.
In addition, often times the air flow is impeded when the vents get blocked by plants or other object outside the vent. When this occurs, water that collects around the home or drips down the exterior walls can enter your crawl space creating moisture problems.
The ventilation system must be inspected to ensure it is working efficiently. If not, it needs to be fixed.
The next step is to figure out why you have a moisture problem in the crawl space by finding and fixing any cracks, holes, leaks, or damage to the walls, ceiling, and floors.
The final step is to seal up the damaged areas and install fresh insulation, and most importantly install vapor barrier, which is explained in greater detail below.
Now that you have answers to the most common questions we encounter about crawl spaces, the remainder of this article will explain why the installation of vapor barrier is so important.
Five Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs A Vapor Barrier!
Five Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs A Vapor Barrier!
#1: Keep Moisture in the Soil!
According to the EPA, a vapor barrier will keep your home drier and is especially recommended for older homes to control dampness. In Atlanta, where humidity is a big issue, your crawl space likely has moisture and damp issues and a vapor barrier will help keep the moisture down because it will prevent moisture from escaping from the soil.
Installed correctly and spread uniformly across the soil and the the walls of your crawl space, the vapor barrier creates a barrier between moisture and your home.
It is important to keep moisture at a minimum to prevent metal from rusting and corroding.
#3: Prevent Wiring Hazards
Many crawl spaces also have wiring. Water and electricity do not mix well. Accumulation of excess moisture is a potential fire hazard and could create an unsafe environment for anyone that enters the crawl space.
#4: Keep Your Home Dry
Since excess moisture in your crawl space can enter your home through the floor boards, keeping the moisture to a minimum will also help maintain moisture levels in your home.
In addition to a damp free home, a vapor barrier will also reduce your utility bills because your air conditioner will operate more efficiently.
The risk of excess dampness and moisture in your home is mold. If your crawl space is wet and that moisture enters your home, you will not only have mold problems in the crawl space but your home.
As mentioned earlier, mold can cause health problems; moisture control is imperative in both your home and crawl space.
#5: Keep Your Crawl Space Clean
Your crawl space is an area of your home that you can potentially use for storage. In order to ensure that your crawl space is a safe and clean environment, a vapor barrier will reduce moisture and also keep the area clean and less inhabitable for rodents and insects.
If you plan to use your crawl space for other uses, such as storage, we recommend that you use a stronger and thicker barrier.
The most important role that a vapor barrier plays is keeping the moisture in the soil. At the same time, it will help maintain a cleaner and safer environment for you, should you choose to use it for storage or other uses.
Got Crawl Space Questions?
If you have questions about your crawl space, please give us a call, 678-697-6267 or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
Top 5 Ways Your Crawl Space Affects Your Home Infographic
Dog Dies Tragically After Licking Mold From Food Dish!
Dog Dies Tragically After Licking Mold From Food Dish!
Recently, there was a news article about a dog that died after licking mold.
Sarah Dent’s dog, Dexter, suffered from toxic shock after licking mold residue from a blown over food dish. When she took her dog to the vet, he was already unconscious. Dexter got sick because he had ingested mycotoxins, which comes from moldy food.
According to the Veterinarian that treated Dexter:
It’s not all moldy food that causes it, but a lot of moldy food can carry this mycotoxin. The onset of symptoms is normally quite quick, usually between half an hour to an hour. There are some things we can do to help stop it if it’s seen straight away. If the dog’s brought straight down to us then we can normally make them sick and that can help them bring a lot of it up. But unfortunately if they’ve started tremoring that can be risky, so in that case we’ll usually use things like anaesthetics and anti-seizuring drugs.
This article will further explain why your pets can get sick from mold, symptoms to look for, and how to get them treatment.
Toxigenic molds pose the most serious health risk to both humans and animals because they have aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins produced by the mold Aspergillus.
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are two of the most toxic and most carcinogenic molds leading to many health risks, including speculation that it can cause some types of cancer.
Aflatoxins are produced on peanuts, soybeans, corn and other cereals in the field or during storage when moisture content and temperatures are sufficiently high for mold growth. High doses of aflatoxins result in severe hepatocellular necrosis, and prolonged low dosages result in reduced growth rate and liver enlargement. Pets that have consumed the affected product and are exhibiting symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.
Another mold species, Stachybotrys chartarum, which is harmful to humans, can also have an impact on the health of household pets.
In 2007, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, published a study that documented the case of toxic black mold poisoning in pets. The study was prompted after two cats died of pulmonary hemorrhage and subsequent blood tests showed the presence of a toxin produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, which can cause respiratory-related health problems, pulmonary hemorrhage and death.
Seven months prior to the cat’s death, the owners home sustained water damage due to flooding. At the request of the researchers, the home owner had it checked for mold. The mold inspection found a severe mold contamination of the walls leading the researchers to conclude that toxic mold was the cause of the death.
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure!
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure!
The symptoms of exposure to mold may vary somewhat depending on what type of pet you have. For instance, a dog or cat may show somewhat different symptoms than a guinea pig or rabbit.
Common symptoms of mold exposure include:
Excessive scratching in the absence of fleas
Pets may develop sores and/or bleed from excessive scratching
Excessive licking
Hair loss due to excessive scratching and/or licking
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Runny eyes
Labored breathing
Wheezing sound when breathing
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Lameness (because of bleeding in the joints)
Nosebleeds
diarrhea
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Getting Treatment For Your Pet!
Getting Treatment For Your Pet!
If you suspect that you pet is suffering from mold exposure, you should take them to the Veterinarian immediately.
The treatment may involve a blood transfusion (if the pet bleeds unduly) and antibiotics to fight secondary infections. Your vet will repeat blood tests to monitor liver function. The pet must rest to reduce the risk of knocks and bumps, which could cause bleeding.
In addition, once your pet is treated, do not bring them back in your home until you determine why you have mold and how you can remove the mold from your home. You do not want to bring your pet back into the home because continued exposure to mold could make your pet’s symptoms worse and permanent damage to the respiratory system or even death could result.
The final step, once you determine why you have mold is to hire a professional to remove the mold and ensure that the indoor ecology is healthy for your family and pets.
Got Mold Questions?
If you suspect that you, a family member, or your pet is suffering from mold exposure, contact Mold B Gone.
If you have not visited your crawl space, take a look. Typically, you will find the following:
Dirt. Most homeowners have a bare dirt or rock crawl space.
Ductwork. Many of your home appliances run out through the crawl space area. Washers, dryers, and plumbing pipes are often found running along the ceiling of the crawl space, to be vented or piped to the outdoors or external holding tanks. Ductwork for the home heating and cooling systems are also usually found here.
Plumbing Pipes. Home plumbing is usually found in your crawl space, funneled outside to your septic tank or the sewer system. These pipes are usually heavy duty so most homeowners are unconcerned about their safety. However, these pipes still require maintenance and care. Changes in temperature during the warmest and coldest months as water flows through them can cause condensation. Condensation and the increase of moisture in the air leads to mold growth.
Electrical Wiring. Along the ceiling and walls of the crawl space you will usually see electrical wiring. Keeping these safe from the gnawing teeth of crawl space vermin is important.
Vents. You will also notice various vents along the bottom walls of your house. These vents allow for air movement and ventilation for your crawl space.
Insulation. Insulation is important. If you see nothing but bare beams and dirt, this is a concern. Up to 40% of your air comes up from the crawl space. You can lose up to 45% of your home’s heating and cooling energy through non-insulated crawl spaces. In addition, non-insulated crawl spaces are will incur mold growth and attract insects, rodents, and other crawl space vermin.
Vapor Barrier. Vapor barriers help maintain the health of your crawl space and your family. Crawl spaces protected from excess moisture are less likely to develop mold or allow vermin and insects into your home. Vapor barriers protect not only your crawl space, but your entire home.
Beams. Beams, heavy wooden or metal support structures, keep your home structurally sound. These beams run vertically and horizontally through your crawl space structure.
Drains/Pumps. You may also notice a drain in the floor of your crawl space. Usually this is a sump pump, a water pump designed to carry any excess water away from the house in the case of a flood. Drains allow excess water to drain away a safe distance from the house, usually 6 feet or more.
Critters and Other Creepy Crawlers. It’s all too common that a homeowner pokes his head into his crawl space to discover a happy population of insects, mice, rats, squirrels, or even snakes! Getting these invaders out of your home can be challenging. To be safe, call a pest control company.
Four Clues That You Have Issues With Your Crawl Space!
While you are taking a look at your crawl space, give Mold B Gone a call if you find any of these problems:
Standing Water or Water Damage: Water damage can weaken the foundations and walls of your home, and needs to be dealt with quickly.
Mold. Mold can be hazardous. If you have large areas of mold spreading across your beams, in your insulation, or along the ground it needs to be removed. Left unchecked, mold can severely damage your home and your air quality.
Ruined Insulation: No insulation lasts forever, though some types of insulation are more long lasting than others. When insulation is falling to pieces or has rodents nesting in it, it’s time to remove the old insulation and replace it.
High Humidity: Knowing your crawl space humidity is essential to keeping it clean and safe. Vapor barriers are an important part of a crawl space because it prevents moisture and high humidity, something that creates a breeding ground for mold and pests. If you have a bare dirt floor, crawl space encapsulation is important.
Now that you understand what is in your crawl space and the top four signs that you may have issues with your crawl space, the remainder of this article will list the top 5 ways your crawl space affects your home.
#1 Poor Air Quality
Moisture accumulates in your crawl space because of high humidity, changing temperatures that leads to condensation, rainy weather, and the lack of preemptive solutions, like a vapor barrier. For this reason, it is important that the moisture content of your crawl space is monitored properly.
If the moisture content of your crawl space is not monitored, mold and rot will grow in the insulation or on the wooden beams. When the mold grows, it releases mycotoxins that can seep through the floorboards of your home, which in turn can cause sickness.
Even though the mold is growing under your home, you need to take action because 40% of the air in your home seeps up through the crawl space.
Simply put, if your crawl space has mold problems, then the indoor air quality of your home will be negatively affected.
#2 High Energy Bills
Properly insulating your crawl space will save on utility costs because the insulation prevents temperature transfers. This will ensure that your home stays cool when the air conditioner is running and warm if you need to heat your home during the colder months.
#3 Rodents and Insects
Despite the fact that your crawl space may be surrounded by a thick layer of concrete serving as the foundation, your crawl space may not be as predator-proof.
There are two key reasons that rodents and insects can affect your home.
First, droppings and feces left behind will affect the air quality inside your home.
Second, certain rodents, like squirrels will get curious and start chewing on any exposed electrical wires, ruin insulation, or rip holes in a vapor barrier.
#4 Damaged Subfloor
Moisture accumulation in your crawl space will not only affect the air quality of your home, it can also seep through the ceiling of the crawl space and damage your sub-floor. When this occurs, it will begin to warp and eventually need to repaired or replaced.
#5 Compromised Foundation
More than just the subfloor, however, moisture problems can also cause issues for the foundational level of your home. The wooden beams that hold up your home’s structure can be damaged by consistent exposure to high levels of moisture, condensation, or humidity. In some not-so-uncommon cases, crawl spaces have actually flooded, causing significant structural damage that resulted in thousands of dollars of repair work.
Mold spores are all around us, outside and indoors. Mold actually serves a purpose in our eco-system to consume dead organic materials.
Problems with mold arise indoors primarily because our homes are made of dead organic materials, meaning mold can grow anywhere in your home: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can’t see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles.
The simplest way to detect a mold problem is using your own senses. A musty odor is one indication. Not only is mold smelly, but can be many different colors from black and gray to orange and green. Watermarks on the ceiling and walls are also a telltale sign.
There are two key reasons, you should be concerned about preventing mold.
First, mold can be difficult and costly to remove.
Second, mold can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins that can compromise your health. Because mold spores are very small and can easily be inhaled into the lungs, it is harmful to live in a home with high mold levels.
Mold Can Compromise Your Health
Mold growth can be prevented. Mold growing in your home requires moisture, warmth, and food. Depriving mold of any of these three items will stop it from growing, but it will not kill the mold that is already there. Mold spores will remain dormant, and if the moisture, warmth and food all reappear, mold will begin to grow again.
So what can you do if you’re concerned about mold growing in your home?
Listed below are the top 15 mold prevention tips.
The Top 15 Mold Prevention Tips
Mold Prevention Tip #1: Audit Your Home For Problem Areas!
It is difficult to mold-proof a home. However, you can take proactive steps to determine if you have problems that could lead to mold concerns.
Does the basement flood?
Do you notice frequent condensation on windows?
Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak?
Is your basement damp?
Does water flow into your home’s foundation?
Addressing these questions may entail some upfront costs to fix, but it will be worth the investment in preventing future mold problems.
It is also important to note that if you are renovating your home or considering building a new home, that you may want to consider researching mold prevention products, including mold-resistant drywall and sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints.
Mold-resistant drywall is recommended because traditional drywall is made up of gypsum plaster core pressed between piles of paper, making it highly susceptible to mold. What this means is that in the presence of moisture and water, traditional drywall acts like a sponge absorbing the moisture leading to mold. Since traditional drywall is so porous, the only remedy to removing the mold is to tear out the drywall.
In contrast, mold-resistant drywall is paperless because the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, meaning it is water-resistant and therefore less susceptible to mold growth. Moisture resistance drywall should be used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens because these areas of the home are most prone to moisture.
Mold Prevention Tip #2: Dry Wet Materials Immediately!
Mold can not grow without moisture and given the right conditions, it will begin growing within 24 to 48 hours.
With this in mind, tackle we areas right away.
Don’t leave wet clothes or other items lying around the house, dry them outside if possible.
Dry spills on carpet and floors.
Dry your clothes after washing them by putting them in the dryer soon after the wash cycle is complete.
If heavy rainfall causes seepage into your basement, make sure you dry the area promptly and contact a company to waterproof your basement to prevent future occurrences.
If you experience a flood event, dispose of water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can not be dried completely. Ideally, contact a restoration company to manage the clean up and drying process.
Mold Prevention Tip #3: Clean, Disinfect, and Dry Surfaces!
Vacuum and clean regularly to remove possible sources of mold growth.
Pay special attention to bathrooms and other areas of your home that are likely to generate a lot of moisture.
Non-porous surfaces (tile, stone, laminate) can be cleaned well with disinfectants and other cleaners.
Mold Prevention Tip #4: Repair Water Leaks!
Repair water leaks in your roof, windows, or any other part of the home as soon as possible.
Over time, constant leaks will cause moisture to buildup leading to mold growth.
Mold Prevention Tip #5: Use Area Rugs!
In portions of your home that are susceptible to moisture, use area rugs or washable floor surfaces rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. If you use area rugs, launder them periodically.
Mold Prevention Tip #6: Increase Air Flow!
Prevent moisture buildup by increasing the air flow within your home. Without good air flow, excess moisture can appear on your walls, windows, and floors.
To increase air circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets.
In addition, open windows to allow fresh air to flow indoors.
If you don’t already have an HVAC system that has an outside air intake to bring in a steady stream of outside air, consider installing one.
Mold Prevention Tip #7: Proper Ventilation!
Routine daily activities such as cooking, taking a shower, and washing laundry can create excess moisture in your home.
Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.
Vent appliances that produce moisture (clothes dryers and stoves) to the outside, not to the attic or crawl space.
Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer.
Energy-efficient homes are prone to holding moisture inside. For this reason, it is important that you open windows or use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom (especially when you are showering).
Mold Prevention Tip #8: Make Sure Your Storage Room Is Dry!
Most homeowners have a room where they store materials such as books, clothes, camping gear, and other occasional use items.
It is important that you check the humidity of your storage room and make sure that there is no excess moisture because most of the materials you are storing are ample sources of food for mold.
Ideally, use your garage, a well built shed that prevents moisture intrusion, or a dry storage unit and not the inside of your home. Make sure there is air circulating in the storage area as well.
Mold Prevention Tip #9: Control Humidity!
Clues that your home has excess humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture, and invest in a dehumidifier if necessary.
To measure the humidity levels in your home, purchase a moisture meter from your local hardware store.
Ideally, the indoor humidity of your home should be between 30 and 60 percent.
In the winter, it is recommended that humidity levels are below 40 percent to prevent condensation from appearing on the windows.
Mold Prevention Tip #10: Check Your Attic!
Make sure that your exhaust fans are not venting into the attic because this will create excess moisture and lead to mold.
Also, your attic needs ventilation as well, so check this.
Insulation is important, particularly in cooler climates because snow accumulation on the roof can lead to ice damning issues which will cause moisture issues.
Mold Prevention Tip #11: Check Your Crawl Space!
Most homes in the Southern United States have crawl spaces.
Crawl spaces are a breeding ground for mold because there is so much excess humidity.
Mold growth in the crawl space is a particular concern because it will also impact the indoor air quality of your home.
If you find excess moisture or mold issues in your crawl space, then the area should be cleaned properly and the mold removed. To prevent future mold issues, wall-to-wall guide, durable, 14 mil vapor barrier should be installed over the ground and up sidewalls to 6 inches below floor joists. Installation of a dehumidifier will also help control humidity.
Mold Prevention Tip #12: Prevent Basement Condensation!
The cool basement floor and walls can be a source of moisture build-up, leading to mold and that musty smell many encounter in their basements.
To prevent condensation and future moisture issues, improve air circulation, run a dehumidifier, and install a foundation drain.
Ideally, make sure the basement walls are insulated properly to keep the walls warm and limit condensation.
As a final note, if you find that there is moisture intrusion into your basement through seepage, consider hiring a contractor to water proof the area.
Mold Prevention Tip #13: Direct Water Away From Your Home!
One of the best methods to prevent seepage into your crawlspace or basement is to ensure that water around your home sufficiently slopes away from the foundation of your home.
Do not put gardens or plants too close to your foundation so that watering them could cause water to flow toward your house.
If you water your lawn with a sprinkler, make sure the water does not hit your house or the area next to the foundation.
Mold Prevention Tip #14: Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clear of Debris!
Debris in your gutters or downspouts could block the flow of water from your roof. To prevent water accumulation, clean your gutters regularly and have them inspected for damage. It is also a good idea to check your ceiling for water stains, particularly after heavy storms.
In addition, make sure the area under your downspouts is properly graded so that rainwater from the roof flows away from your foundation. If the water is not flowing away from the foundation, extend your downspouts.
Mold Prevention Tip #15: Check Your Plants For Mold!
Plants help keep your indoor air clean. Unfortunately, mold grows in the soil of house plants and can also grow on the leaves, leading to higher levels of mold spores in the home. To hinder mold growth in plant soil, add some Taheebo tea to your house plant water in a mild solution. The oil of this tree, which withstands fungi even in rain forests, helps hinder mold growth in plant soil and can be found at natural food stores.
