One common worry of a homeowner is they will one day discover mold hiding in the crevices and cubby holes of their home. While mold shouldn’t go unchecked, it doesn’t have to spell disaster.

For one thing, there is always some mold in the air and on surfaces. Secondly, not all mold is toxic. Common molds might give you a headache, make your allergies act up, leave you feeling a bit nauseous, or irritate asthma. And some you may not notice at all.

The type of mold you should be concerned with is black mold (also known as Stachybotrys chartarum). Lawsuits havebeen won, homes have been destroyed, and people have become severely ill or lost their lives over serious, but very uncommon, cases of black mold.

Molds are microscopic and produced by spores. Once spores have landed on a wet surface, mold can begin to grow. If mold is found it should be cleaned and removed. In rare cases this must be done by a professional. Glass, plastic, and metal can be completely cleaned. The most important thing to do is locate the source of the moisture and correct it.

If you’ve had a leak in your roof or basement, use a dehumidifier to completely dry the area. If your bathroom always steams up when you shower, you may need to add some ventilation so the area can fully dry out. If you find that a certain area of your home breeds condensation when the temperature drops, you may need to add or remove some insulation. Even leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long can cause mold to spread. The key is to act fast. Don’t leave moist areas sitting for longer than a day or two.

Home inspectors are not required to test for mold, however a Schaefer inspection will usually give you a few major tips to help prevent a problem. Our inspectors will let you know if the ground around your property isn’t sloped away enough from the foundation. This could allow water to collect and seep into your house. We’ll also be able to tell if your gutters are damaged or leaking— another possible breeding ground for mold. We’ll check your roof and chimney for leaks, and your attic and crawl spaces for proper insulation.

So if you’re worried about a potential mold or moisture problem, schedule an inspection. Our expert home inspectors will be able to point out many potential issues to give you peace of mind at home.

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If you have any other questions regarding mold or home inspections or would like to schedule an appointment with us, give us a call at 1-800-345-2776. You can also reach out to us on our Facebook page here or tweet us @SchaeferInspect.

Link: EPA Mold Information and Resources