Is Mold Growth Beyond The Scope Of A Home Inspection?

Many home inspectors receive complaints on online forums, or even through real estate agencies. One of the primary concerns is that some homeowners tend to think that home inspectors have x-ray vision and can see through walls. Yes, they may have knowledge of different components of a home, and can comfortably report what they see, but not only can they not report about mold that they cannot see, but they are not medical professionals and cannot answer complex questions about the realities of living in a moldy environment.

Only certified, experienced doctors can give detailed information on the actual health risks of living in a moldy environment, depending on the mold type, an individual’s medical history, and possibly the duration of the exposure. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the questions that plague home inspectors when it comes to mold.

Is My Health At Risk If I Live In a Moldy Environment?

The short answer is yes.

Exposure to moldy environments can put your health at risk, with its implications highly dependent on how sensitive you are to the mold. While there are no accurate ways of testing an individual’s sensitivity, it can become evident when directly exposed to the moldy environment.

Those with a particularly high risk are asthma patients. This is because mold produces spores that are released into the air. These spores are allergens that can trigger asthma attacks. However, at times they may have delayed symptoms, which can worsen the condition of these patients, especially during prolonged exposure.

Aside from that, it can cause other health-related complications such as farmer’s lungs, sinusitis, and toxic mold syndrome. It is feared that prolonged exposure without seeking any medical intervention can cause lung hemorrhage.

Are There Ways Of Testing For Mold To Determine The Extent Of Damage?

Yes, there are ways to test the extent of mold damage.

If you suspect that you could be facing a mold problem, but you are not 100% sure because there are no visible signs such as unsightly black, brown, or grey-ish patches, then you can opt to hire professionals to come test your home.

There are four main tests that can be conducted. These are:

1. Surface testing: Done to check the extent of growth on a surface.
2. Air testing: Done to detect the presence of mold spores in the air, and its concentration.
3. Bulk testing: Tests are conducted on a sample collected from the affected home.
4. Culture test: This test is rare, but is done to identify the species of mold growing in your home.

How Can I Permanently Get Rid Of Mold In My Home?

By maintaining relative humidity at levels that do not exceed 50%, you will be able to keep the mold at bay.

However, to do this, it is imperative to acquire a fan, a dehumidifier, or both. From experience, a dehumidifier is preferred since it can maintain moisture content at a predetermined percentage. That is not possible if you plan to only use a fan.

It is also important to note that there are many dehumidifiers on the market. A little research can go a long way in ensuring that you get the best value for your money, while at the same time effectively keep the mold growth at bay.

What Should I Do In Case Of Water Damage?

At times, water damage is inevitable, such as a flood, which is a natural calamity that we have no control over. If you are affected by a flood, a residential dehumidifier may not be of much use, especially in the initial stages. You may want to contact a restoration contractor who will get the work done on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can rent a cleaning and restoration dehumidifier.  These dehumidifiers are specifically designed to get rid of flood water. Examples of high capacity cleaning and restoration dehumidifiers include:

1. Unip Pro 120X Dehumidifier
2. Unip Renegade 1250X Dehumidifier
3. Unip Renegade 1400X Dehumidifier
4. Unip H20 100H Dehumidifier

Insist on acquiring one that has high capacity, as it will make the cleaning process more efficient.

Once you are done with the restoration process, you can acquire an ordinary residential dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels. This is an important step, because after a flood or storm event, you are more susceptible to having mold problems.

Do You Know Any Trusted Dehumidifier Dealers?

There are several reputable dehumidifier dealers today. One way to identify a suitable company is to go through their website. You should give those who offer lots of information the upper hand. Another factor to consider is the ease in which you can reach their technical support team in case of an inquiry.

To get more information on the different types of dehumidifiers available, you can browse through Uni-P Dry’s website, www.unipdry.com, or call the number indicated on the website if you want to have a one-on-one phone conversation with an expert.