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.
About the Author
Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections,
and has recently written a book entitled "Secrets of
the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com.
As a speaker, writer, and instructor, Wally blends the right
amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount
of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application.
Visit WallyConway.com
for more information!
