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by Wally Conway,
Host
of the Home and Garden Show on WOKV
Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have reached out and
grabbed us, but rather they have captured our attention. A rash
of recent high profile media stories have petrified many people
with concerns for both their health and finances. While it is true
in some situations that variations and concentrations of mold can
kill us both physically and financially, in the vast majority of
cases mold problems can be remedied simply and economically.
Molds exist naturally all around us. Molds play a vital role in
the decomposition of organic waste such as in a compost pile. Other
molds are essential in the creation of some of our finest foods,
such as wine and cheese. But, when mold growth occurs in an inappropriate
place or in extreme concentration, the health of our home and family
can be at risk.
 All
molds need two basic ingredients to grow, food and water. The favorite
food of mold is cellulose. In our home, cellulose is a common constituent.
Wood, paper, cotton, and drywall are plentiful in construction and
are great sources of cellulose. Water is everywhere in our homes,
both on the surfaces and in the air.
As the tightness of our homes has increased in response to a desire
to conserve energy, the unintended consequence has been the trapping
of moisture. The increase in moisture in our homes has in some cases
resulted in a relative humidity above the 60% level needed to sustain
mold growth in interior spaces. In some cases, the moisture level
of the interior spaces is below the mold growth threshold, but the
exterior wall cavities retain the required moisture level for rapid
mold growth within the walls. To make matters worse, this condition
is also perfect for accelerated wood rot and termite infestation.
So what is a reasonable person to do? Much like a physical exam
is the first step in a plan for personal health, a home inspection
is the first step in a mold survey. The intent of the inspection
is to seek out all sources of moisture that may contribute to an
environment that is attractive to mold and to visually identify
any existing mold colonies. Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and improper
sprinkler positioning are among the more common sources of mold-causing
moisture problems. After identification of the moisture source,
a reasonable and practical remedy can be prescribed.
Areas with visible mold colonies can be thoroughly cleaned with
detergent, followed by wiping with a bleach and water solution.
Porous materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet are difficult
to clean and often require removal and replacement in all but the
most minor of outbreaks.
In most cases, testing to determine mold species is not necessary
to solve the problem. If an individual has an extreme or specific
health risk factor, testing may be of value in assisting the medical
professional in addressing the specific health situation. If the
outbreak of mold is extreme, testing maybe wise in ensuring safety
during remediation. The choice to test or not should always rest
with the homeowner or potential homebuyer, but the decision should
be an informed one made with the assistance of an ASHI certified
home inspector who has received additional training specific to
mold management.
With a basic understanding of the management of moisture, household
mold maintenance is simple. Molds have been around forever and will
never be gone, and it is good that they are here. But like so many
things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Stay informed,
but don't get caught up in the hype. Remember, it's about knowing!
Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace
J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.
About the Author: Wally Conway is your weekly Host of the Home
and Garden Show on WOKV, and author of the book "Secrets of the Happy
Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com.
Wally's expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV's "House
Detective", DIY Network's "Finders Fixers", the National Association
of REALTORS®, newspapers, and corporations. As a speaker, writer, and instructor,
Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right
amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com
for more information!
Reproduction of this article: Permission is granted to use this article
in any media provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety as shown
above, with the authors resource box/bio included including links to http://www.gohomepro.com
and http://www.wallyconway.com
as the original publisher.
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