You may be familiar with mold that appears on bread or fruit, but if you've had water damage in your home or notice a moldy odor - you could have mold growing
within your walls. Not only can mold cause a variety of health problems, but it can destroy objects on which it grows.
If left unchecked mold can damage drywall, rot wood and cause structural damage to buildings. In 2006, 33 percent of the reports Angie's List received in the
mold testing and remediation category had an overall rating of F or D. Common complaints included pricing, lack of responsiveness and punctuality.
An Angie's List poll found 26 percent of members said mold has damaged their personal property. Thirty-one percent said the mold caused up to $500 in
damages. Forty-one percent of those poll respondents say they use bleach to kill mold. However, the EPA www.epa.gov does not recommend the use of a
biocide, such as chlorine bleach, during mold remediation. If you choose to use bleach, always ventilate the area and never mix with solutions containing
ammonia because it could produce toxic fumes.
Mold testing and remediation can be very confusing to the homeowner. Before planning a remediation effort, consider the size and extent of the mold. If you have
less than 10 square feet of mold, in most cases you can tackle the job yourself. But for large or complex jobs, consider hiring a professional.
If the mold growth is small, you can clean and kill it with these steps.
Damp wipe: Mold can generally be removed from hard surfaces by scrubbing with water and detergent. It is important to dry the surface quickly.
Wear protective gear: Protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles.
Discard: Remove damaged materials and seal in plastic bags.
Follow up: Revisit the site. It should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.
Wide spread mold growth may require professional assistance. Angie advises following these tips when choosing a professional for remediation projects:
Check references & get estimates: What experience has this contractor had in mold remediation?
Certification: While the EPA does not certify mold remediators or inspectors, remediators should follow EPA mold remediation guidelines. You can also check the
National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP) www.moldpro.org.
Understand the process: Know what the company plans for the remediation. Ask what is going to happen, when it will happen and how it may affect you. Ask
about containment. How will they prevent the movement of mold spores from one area of the home to another? A chamber or airlock is often used.
Testing for mold: If you see visible mold, it?s not necessary that you have it tested before cleaning it up. But if you test the air for mold after remediation, have
the contractor take samples both inside and outside your home at the same time.
Check your insurance: Not all mold damage is covered by your homeowner?s insurance policy. Check your policy because coverage and limitations vary.
Mold-damaged items: If you are unsure about how to clean an item that is expensive or has sentimental value, check with companies that specialize in furniture
repair/restoration or carpet/rug cleaning.
Mold doesn't need a lot of water to grow. A little condensation, such levels found typically in a bathroom, can be enough for molds to thrive. It also does not need
light to grow either. It can grow in dark areas and on hidden surfaces such as the backside of drywall or the underside of carpets and pads.
Angie says you can prevent mold growth in the home with simple routine maintenance:
Moisture control: Act quickly when water leaks or spills occur indoors! Dry wet or damp areas within 48 hours.
Reduce humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity. Vent appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene
heaters to the outside where possible. Use air conditioners or de-humidifiers when needed. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use
exhaust fans or open windows when you cook, run the dishwasher, etc.
Prevent condensation: Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. Increase ventilation by opening windows or use fans as needed. Cover cold water pipes with
insulation. Increase air temperature.
Keep drip pans clean: Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed.
Don't let foundations stay wet: Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
Clean roof gutters regularly.
within your walls. Not only can mold cause a variety of health problems, but it can destroy objects on which it grows.
If left unchecked mold can damage drywall, rot wood and cause structural damage to buildings. In 2006, 33 percent of the reports Angie's List received in the
mold testing and remediation category had an overall rating of F or D. Common complaints included pricing, lack of responsiveness and punctuality.
An Angie's List poll found 26 percent of members said mold has damaged their personal property. Thirty-one percent said the mold caused up to $500 in
damages. Forty-one percent of those poll respondents say they use bleach to kill mold. However, the EPA www.epa.gov does not recommend the use of a
biocide, such as chlorine bleach, during mold remediation. If you choose to use bleach, always ventilate the area and never mix with solutions containing
ammonia because it could produce toxic fumes.
Mold testing and remediation can be very confusing to the homeowner. Before planning a remediation effort, consider the size and extent of the mold. If you have
less than 10 square feet of mold, in most cases you can tackle the job yourself. But for large or complex jobs, consider hiring a professional.
If the mold growth is small, you can clean and kill it with these steps.
Damp wipe: Mold can generally be removed from hard surfaces by scrubbing with water and detergent. It is important to dry the surface quickly.
Wear protective gear: Protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles.
Discard: Remove damaged materials and seal in plastic bags.
Follow up: Revisit the site. It should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.
Wide spread mold growth may require professional assistance. Angie advises following these tips when choosing a professional for remediation projects:
Check references & get estimates: What experience has this contractor had in mold remediation?
Certification: While the EPA does not certify mold remediators or inspectors, remediators should follow EPA mold remediation guidelines. You can also check the
National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP) www.moldpro.org.
Understand the process: Know what the company plans for the remediation. Ask what is going to happen, when it will happen and how it may affect you. Ask
about containment. How will they prevent the movement of mold spores from one area of the home to another? A chamber or airlock is often used.
Testing for mold: If you see visible mold, it?s not necessary that you have it tested before cleaning it up. But if you test the air for mold after remediation, have
the contractor take samples both inside and outside your home at the same time.
Check your insurance: Not all mold damage is covered by your homeowner?s insurance policy. Check your policy because coverage and limitations vary.
Mold-damaged items: If you are unsure about how to clean an item that is expensive or has sentimental value, check with companies that specialize in furniture
repair/restoration or carpet/rug cleaning.
Mold doesn't need a lot of water to grow. A little condensation, such levels found typically in a bathroom, can be enough for molds to thrive. It also does not need
light to grow either. It can grow in dark areas and on hidden surfaces such as the backside of drywall or the underside of carpets and pads.
Angie says you can prevent mold growth in the home with simple routine maintenance:
Moisture control: Act quickly when water leaks or spills occur indoors! Dry wet or damp areas within 48 hours.
Reduce humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity. Vent appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene
heaters to the outside where possible. Use air conditioners or de-humidifiers when needed. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use
exhaust fans or open windows when you cook, run the dishwasher, etc.
Prevent condensation: Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. Increase ventilation by opening windows or use fans as needed. Cover cold water pipes with
insulation. Increase air temperature.
Keep drip pans clean: Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed.
Don't let foundations stay wet: Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
Clean roof gutters regularly.
AS EXPLAINED BY ANGIES LIST
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