Water and Mold in a property - what to do and how to avoid it

If water is the biggest problem for a house, then mold is the biggest potential health risk.  When looking to resolve mold problems, we must first look to see what could be the root cause(s).  Providing a solid analysis and review is needed to first see if there is an active mold and/or moisture issue in the property.  If there is, you must look closely at the property to see why this problem is occurring.  What are some of the things to look for?

Poor grading causing incorrect site drainage.

Poor exterior maintenance causing water to collect towards a house.

Wet basement or foundation.
Poor interior maintenance that is causing water to come into the house or leak from within.

Condensation issues caused by poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and high humidity levels in the home.

Central air systems that have condensation go where not intended.

Condensation along ductwork.

Appliances that handle water can have leaks.

If any of the above are found, then you should choose a qualified Mold Inspector. At the present there are no Federal or State mandates on what constitutes a qualified mold inspector, so please consult your Realtor©. The mold inspector should at least have certifications to prove that they have been trained and should be able to present their experience, so that you can feel better about their knowledge level on the subject matter.

Once Mold is detected, then the next step is to stop the root cause and to remediate the mold.  Again, there are no Federal or State mandates to identify a qualified Remediation Contractor, so please consult your Realtor©.  The two most important questions to ask are:

What is a mold remediation protocol, why is it necessary, and what are the repercussions if not handled properly?

How is it determined that the remediation is successful so that you have a safe environment?

Many times, the remediation process causes damage to part of a home which needs to be restored to the way it was.  Qualified licensed contractors should be used and be made aware of what was done and why, to ensure that their work is done in such a way so as to promote a dry home.

Some homeowners think that the job is done once remediation and restoration is in place.  In reality being a home owner means that you need to be vigilant on the possible causes to ensure that these do not resurface.  You need to be sure that the source of moisture has been eliminated, and periodically review the property, inside and outside, to ensure you do not have future problems.  Keep your home safe and clean!

Lastly, if you need more information, please visit EPA's website on mold.