5 Essential Questions Answered About Household Mold

If you are a homeowner or looking to purchase a home, a household mold inspection should be on your list – especially if the house has had water damage, a leaky roof, or broken plumbing pipes.

In Ohio, sellers must provide full disclosure of water damage and mold if it has occurred in the last five years.

Here are the most common questions you may have about household mold.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that thrives on moisture and can be found in and outside a home. As it grows, mold releases spores that float in the air. There are many types of mold, with toxic mold being the most dangerous.

One sign of mold is a strong, musty smell, but you cannot always count on this indicator as mold can grow in hidden places.

What Should You Do if You Find Mold?

You can mix one cup of bleach and a gallon of water and apply it to the moldy surface, but the truth of the matter is, it may reappear if that area is damp or prone to water intrusion.

If you find mold in your kitchen, bathrooms, or laundry room, checking to see they are adequately vented can stop or reduce mold growth.

It’s best to contact a mold assessment specialist who can take air samples and send them off for lab analysis. In addition, most inspectors have moisture meters or an infrared camera to detect moisture in drywall.

What do Mold Inspectors do?

An inspector will perform a visual inspection, looking at building materials and typical places for water damage. In addition, they will use moisture mapping to identify spots in the home that have been affected by water.

For hidden mold, an air test with samples will be taken. Scope, severity, and assessment of human risk can be determined from these samples. In addition, the air samples will determine the type of mold growing in that room.

Can Mold Make You Sick?

Yes, it can. According to the America Industrial Hygiene Association, mold exposure can lead to:

• Watery, itchy eyes
• Sore throat
• Runny Nose
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Rashes or
• Difficulty breathing

Children and those individuals with a weakened immune system are especially at risk for sickness.

How Can You Prevent Mold from Growing?

Without moisture, mold is unable to grow.

Keep your home dry by repairing all the areas that have high moisture levels. In addition, consider using a dehumidifier to regulate high humidity levels.

We are Your Local Household Mold Inspector

Integrity Home Evaluation has mold inspection expertise and will be happy to schedule your inspection. If you have questions, please call us at 330-815-0013 or email us at dave@integrityhomeevaluation.com. We will respond promptly!