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Mold has taken hold! Not that
the microbes have reached out and grabbed us, but rather
they have captured our attention. A rash of recent high
profile media stories have petrified many people with
concerns for both their health and finances. While it is
true in some situations that variations and concentrations
of mold can kill us both physically and financially, in
the vast majority of cases mold problems can be remedied
simply and economically.
Molds exist naturally all
around us. Molds play a vital role in the decomposition of
organic waste such as in a compost pile. Other molds are
essential in the creation of some of our finest foods,
such as wine and cheese. But, when mold growth occurs in
an inappropriate place or in extreme concentration, the
health of our home and family can be at risk.
All molds need two basic
ingredients to grow, food and water. The favorite food of
mold is cellulose. In our home, cellulose is a common
constituent. Wood, paper, cotton, and drywall are
plentiful in construction and are great sources of
cellulose. Water is everywhere in our homes, both on the
surfaces and in the air.
As the tightness of our
homes has increased in response to a desire to conserve
energy, the unintended consequence has been the trapping
of moisture. The increase in moisture in our homes has in
some cases resulted in a relative humidity above the 60%
level needed to sustain mold growth in interior spaces. In
some cases, the moisture level of the interior spaces is
below the mold growth threshold, but the exterior wall
cavities retain the required moisture level for rapid mold
growth within the walls. To make matters worse, this
condition is also perfect for accelerated wood rot and
termite infestation.
So what is a reasonable
person to do? Much like a physical exam is the first step
in a plan for personal health, a home inspection is the
first step in a mold survey. The intent of the inspection
is to seek out all sources of moisture that may contribute
to an environment that is attractive to mold and to
visually identify any existing mold colonies. Roof leaks,
plumbing leaks, and improper sprinkler positioning are
among the more common sources of mold-causing moisture
problems. After identification of the moisture source, a
reasonable and practical remedy can be prescribed.
Areas with visible mold
colonies can be thoroughly cleaned with detergent,
followed by wiping with a bleach and water solution.
Porous materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet are
difficult to clean and often require removal and
replacement in all but the most minor of outbreaks.
In most cases, testing to
determine mold species is not necessary to solve the
problem. If an individual has an extreme or specific
health risk factor, testing may be of value in assisting
the medical professional in addressing the specific health
situation. If the outbreak of mold is extreme, testing
maybe wise in ensuring safety during remediation. The
choice to test or not should always rest with the
homeowner or potential homebuyer, but the decision should
be an informed one made with the assistance of an ASHI
certified home inspector who has received additional
training specific to mold management.
With a basic understanding
of the management of moisture, household mold maintenance
is simple. Molds have been around forever and will never
be gone, and it is good that they are here. But like so
many things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
Stay informed, but don't get caught up in the hype.
Remember, it's about knowing!
Copyright © Florida
HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all
media reserved.
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About
The Author
Wally
Conway is President of Florida HomePro
Inspections, and is featured regularly on
HGTV's "House Detective". As a
speaker, writer, instructor, and host of
The Happy Home Inspector radio show every
Saturday at 5 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends
the right amount of up-to-date information
with just the right amount of humor,
insight, motivation, and real-world
application. Visit http://www.wallyconway.com
and http://www.gohomepro.com
for more information! |
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