|
by: Wallace Conway
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 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!
|
