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Mold in my home
Got Mold?
It is not always a big deal!
Mold comes in various colors, and types and lives with us in our environment. Normally, mold in a home (less than about 10 square feet) is not a big deal and a home owner can clean it. Larger than that, mold can become problematic.
How do I know I have a mold problem in my home?
You may not, so get it tested. Direct sampling such as a tape lift or swab is great for mold that you can see. Air sampling can determine if there is something bad going on in the home that is possibly NOT seen.
What if you find mold?
1. The home should be tested to identify the types of mold, and amount of airborne spores. The infamous "black" mold is stachybotrys but is not always black. Green, and white molds have been identified as stachybotrys. Stachybotrys is extremely hazardous to humans, but anyone can be allergic to any molds; this is why testing is important.
2. Mold should be remediated per a written protocol. Remediation consists of eradicating the mold, removing all the mold from the home, and ensuring repairs are made that made the mold grow. Repairs could be as simple as a humidity problem, or as large as multiple plumbing leaks behind walls. Be careful who performs remediation since there are no PA requirements to be a mold remediator.
3. A post remediation verification (PRV) should be conducted by a certified mold inspector. A PRV ensures the remediation protocol was properly followed, and the air samples verify completion.
GCS Home Inspections is certified to test, and trained to write protocol, but does not perform remediation. Note: a remediation company should not clear their own work, and someone testing your home for mold should not perform remediation.
Have allergies, a constant cough, runny nose while in your home, or are always sick? Even if you don't see it, mold may be the cause. Call us for testing.
Sincerely,
Greg Scheer
GCS Home Inspections
Submitted by GregScheer on Sun, 06/10/2012 - 08:18.
