Molds are a type of fungus and can
grow on and in every surface and item of your home. Mold spores are spread
through the air and have the potential to cause health problems, irritating the
eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of people allergic to mold and even to
those not allergic. Allergic reactions include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes,
and skin rashes. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma and
can be life-threatening in severe instances.
For the health and safety of our
families, keeping mold out of our homes is vitally important!
Where will I find mold?
- Basement.
Water comes into the foundation from the
outside so look at the floor joists and exterior walls. Early signs of water
intrusion include white staining on the cinderblock walls. Later signs of water
intrusion include blistering paint, deterioration of masonry or a mold like
substance on the walls.
- Attic.
Open the attic hatch and enter the attic. Walk
the interior looking for areas of staining on the ceiling, walls and floor.
Small areas of staining could indicate a nail pop. Larger areas of staining
could indicate missing flashing.
- Crawlspace. If you have a crawlspace, it will need
inspected, so get in there and check all the floor joists above. In addition,
check for any water leaks which would be dark staining areas or puddles of
water in the crawlspace.
- Bathroom ceiling.
Before mold becomes mold it is
moisture buildup. Allowing the moisture buildup to continue and an excessive
moisture environment to continue will create mold and mold spores.
- Under all sinks.
Look at the interior and exterior walls
of the cabinet, look at the interior ceiling and the floor of the cabinet. Staining
of the wood, puddles of water, or soft spots are all signs of leakage that lead
to mold growth.
What if I think I have mold?
Only a lab can determine if a mold like substance is mold.
Mold comes in many forms. It can definitely be dark in color, it can be white,
it could be fuzzy. It could also look like a fungus. The only real way to know
if it’s mold is to test it.
You can call in the professionals and they can test the mold
for less than a few hundred dollars.
More importantly is discovering the cause of the mold and
correcting that defect immediately.
One last tip—never clean mold with bleach. Bleach
releases the mold spores into the air and will make you sick. Instead, get a
bucket of water and add soap. Use a rag or sponge to wipe the walls. Get the
mold like substance on the sponge or rag. Rinse and repeat.
TK Home Inspection performs two types of mold testing, swab
samples or air samples. Both tests will indicate what kind of spores are
present. Our inspectors will inspect for areas of moisture and mold problems in
the basement, crawlspaces, interior areas, and attic.
Some mold can easily be removed by the homeowner, other
situations will require a specialist to perform the mitigation. We offer the
best service at the best prices in NE Ohio so give TK Home Inspection a call at
330.361.5505 or visit us online at www.tkhomeinspection.com/book-now
to
schedule your inspection.
