|
Whether you have been noticing a musty smell
in your house, or are considering purchasing your dream home, taking
the time to have a mold inspection done can protect your investment
and your health. If there is mold present, it can cause significant
damage to the structure of the house and be a contributing factor
in several illnesses.
It is difficult for the average homeowner to assess
whether they have dangerous levels of mold growing in the house.
While there may be visible traces of mold growing on the bathroom
tiles, only professional home inspectors will have the right equipment
to test to see if it is black mold aka its technical name, Stachybotrys
chartarum. This is one of the types of mold known to cause or
aggravate certain health conditions.
Mold grows in areas that are exposed to moisture
and humidity, which makes the bathroom an ideal breeding ground
for these fungi. If the bathtub, tiles or shower stall has been
poorly sealed, moisture is able to get behind the surfaces. This
dark and damp environment is an excellent breeding ground for
the mold spores. Continued exposure to moisture and mold can damage
the drywall and cause rotting in the wood framing. As the mold
may be growing out of sight, an inspector can determine the presence
and type of mold by performing a microscopic examination of the
fungus.
With the potential structural damage that mold
and moisture can inflict, it is clearly a safety issue to have
your home inspected if you are concerned about the presence of
mold. A badly rotting wooden floor could suddenly give way if
there is extensive damage to the floor boards.
Before you incur the cost of hiring a professional
inspector, you can take a few minutes to perform your own do-it-yourself
home inspection to decide if your home is at risk for having mold.
Mold does generally have a distinctive musty odor so take heed
if certain areas of the house have an unusual smell. Check the
grouting on all tiled surfaces to make sure that there are no
gaps that would allow water to seep underneath. All silicon seals
surrounding the tub enclosure and sinks should also be complete.
If you find areas with visible mold, it can be removed with a
household cleaner or diluted bleach solution. Be sure to dry the
area completely.
If it appears that your home may have a much greater
mold problem, then it will be necessary to consult a professional.
Research the various home inspection services in your city to
find one that is both affordable and reputable. Start right here
online and find lots of people who can assist you in your quest
to be rid of mold.
|
