How to Remediate Mold In Your Home

Mold can happen in any property, even though it's more likely to occur in high-humidity areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. Mildew can be easily vanquished with a few cleaning products from the store, but mold is a serious problem that can linger in the walls and under the floorboards. Find out more about how to prevent, treat, and remove mold before it threatens the home's integrity of the health of those who live in it.

Inspecting the Home

Georgetown home maintenance starts with learning the ins and outs of the property. It's not enough for owners to notice a problem when it's so severe they can't ignore it. They need to spot the small anomalies that represent the first sign of damage. Mold that's left to spread every which way can end up causing illness to the residents. In severe cases, it can cause death. If anyone in the home has been exhibiting unexplained cold-like symptoms, such as coughing or a sore throat, they need to be treated as soon as possible.

The Culprits

Once a homeowner knows they have mold, it's time to see where it comes from:

• Leaky pipes
• Faulty appliances
• Condensation in bathrooms
• Poor drainage
• Failing foundation

This remediation step is more than just identifying the best ways to fix the problem. (In some cases, it may be as simple as taking a wrench to a pipe under the sink to stop any additional mold colonies.) A failing foundation may indicate the mold has spread to spaces the homeowner can't see.

Knowing the type of mold a homeowner is a great place to start. Homeowners can consider everyday mold testing kits to identify the type of mold they have to determine if it's malignant or benign. However, it's not uncommon for several species of mold to form, which can contaminant a testing kit's result.

DIY Removal

The idea of DIY removal can be tempting for homeowners who want to conserve their pennies, but certain species of mold are exceptionally dangerous for amateurs. Few homeowners have the right tools or ventilation to treat mold property without putting themselves in harm's way. Purchasing the equipment a person does need can quickly eliminate the savings the owner was hoping for in the first place. In addition, the homeowner isn't guaranteed to remove all traces of the mold. With a professional though, a homeowner can insist on third-party testing after their work. This can help owners feel more confident that their air is safe to breathe again.

When to Hire a Mold Removal Professional

Since mold spreads so quickly, homeowners need to actively watch for the warning signs to catch it early. Otherwise, the mold will grow across the affected surfaces and damage building materials deep in the walls, floors, and ceiling. Upon spotting even the smallest patch of mold, that is when it is time to call in a mold removal professional.

Mold tends to look like splotchy patches in black, green, or brown that seem to spread day after day. Since it prefers to grow in warm, humid areas, mold is often found in the corners of the room behind furniture.

Other places to look include:

• Next to kitchen and laundry room appliances
• Along the floors in the basement
• On the underside of the floors in the crawlspace
• Along the bathtub or shower enclosure
• Inside the attic insulation

Homeowners can call in mold removal experts to inspect the residence for any signs of mold as well. This ensures they do not miss the signs and let the problem grow out of control.

Does Insurance Cover Mold?

Mold is generally not covered by insurance companies. The exception to this rule is if the mold formed due to a covered event. If a major storm causes severe water damage to the home that results in mold, then this may be covered under a general policy. Professional mold removal can be expensive, so homeowners should seek any financial aid they can to alleviate the costs. However, if the insurance company feels the homeowner didn't do enough to mitigate the mold at the time it formed, then they may deny the claim on the basis of homeowner neglect.

Mold remediation doesn't have to be complicated once homeowners recognize the inherent dangers of the fungus. Some molds aren't nearly as worrisome as others, but the dangerous formations will need to be taken care of immediately. Professional removal can make it easier for owners to have the peace of mind that the home is safe.