MARCH 2005

Call (770) 594-2222 to schedule an Inspection

Mold thrives in wet environments, so repair leaks

The subject of molds and the illnesses caused by them has received a great deal of media attention in recent years. As a home inspector, my customers often want to know if the house they are buying contains mold. The answer, unfortunately, often is yes. Here's a brief explanation of what mold is and how to deal with it.

Moisture crucial

Molds are a part of the natural environment and perform the vital function of breaking down dead organic matter. Molds reproduce through microscopic spores that float through the air searching for a suitable environment to take root. The most important ingredient is moisture. In fact, molds will not grow without moisture. Inside buildings, this moisture is typically the result of leaks. Leaks are most commonly found in roofs, plumbing pipes or basement walls. If interior surfaces such as flooring, drywall or paneling get wet from leaks, they provide a suitable environment for mold spores to grow on.

Can mold be harmful?

Mold can cause health problems in people who are sensitive or allergic to it. It is also possible that mold may produce some toxic substances.

Sometimes hidden

Mold is often visible on some finished surfaces. Sometimes, however, mold can be hidden. In these cases the air must be tested for elevated spore counts by a qualified expert. If you are experiencing health problems with hay fever-like symptoms, you may want to have your house tested. Use care in selecting a testing company. Ask for references and make sure that you see the results from the testing laboratory.

Cleaning it up

The first step in eliminating mold is to remove the source of moisture that allows the mold to grow. This may require fixing a plumbing or roof leak or having a foundation wall professionally waterproofed. If the source of moisture is not removed, the mold will likely return after cleanup. After the source of the moisture is removed, you must clean up the mold-infested areas of the house. Guidelines for mold cleanup from the Environmental Protection Agency suggest that a non-professional can usually clean up areas of 10 square feet or less. The agency recommends scrubbing mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water. Porous surfaces like drywall or paneling may have to be removed. If the infected area is greater than 10 square feet, the agency suggests that the mold be professionally cleaned.

In my experience, care should be taken in choosing a professional to clean up mold. Make sure that your contractor has experience in mold cleanup. Check references and require that they follow the recommendations in the EPA's "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings." The same guidelines will apply to a house. More information about mold can be obtained free from the EPA at www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldcleanup.html or by calling 1-800-438-4318.