Mold Discussion with Home Inspector Rob Rehm

by: Cindy Marchant

on: 5 Aug 2009

Each month, I have Rob Rehm with Land America Home Inspections write an article on a relevant topic that Carmel Homeowners might find useful. As the amount of distressed properties increase, mold is something we will see more of in vacant homes. Unfortunately banks don’t always remember to keep the utilities on and a sump pump may not work when it is needed; hence mold.

Mold has become a topic of concern over the past few years as we hear of homeowners facing possible health issues and the task of cleaning up mold problems in their homes. For obvious reasons this has gotten the attention of many homeowners and those who are planning to purchase a home. Currently, there is no standard among health professionals on what levels of mold are acceptable in a home. However, many homeowners and potential homeowners agree that the potential risk of mold-related health problems warrant attention. Rob Rehm Home Inspector
Excess Moisture is the Cause. Mold requires a food source (such as wood or drywall in a home) and water or moisture. By eliminating the source of moisture (water leaks, excess humidity, condensation, etc.) you can stop mold from growing in a home. It™s that simple. Preventative maintenance is the key. However, finding water/moisture entry points and sources can be complicated.
A thorough Home Inspection will help identify moisture intrusion. While specifically conducting a mold inspection is outside the standards of practice for a home inspector, a good inspector will examine the property for any signs of moisture or moisture intrusion issues. Any possible issues should be discussed and documented. If visible mold and moisture are discovered, it is important to keep things in perspective yet realize the potential risks of not correcting moisture related concerns.In many cases, homeowners can safely clean mold from the building surfaces on their own and make simple repairs to prevent further moisture intrusion. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says: œIf the mold area is less than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch), you can handle the job yourself. Remember, it is important to identify and eliminate the cause of mold rather than simply clean or cover up the problem.

When is a Specialist Needed? While mold is an important issue and may be a health concern for certain individuals, it can often be remedied without major expense or inconvenience. However, when signs of extensive mold are found a professional should be consulted for proper remediation. In addition, should a homeowner or potential homeowner have specific health-related concerns, mold testing can be conducted to determine the types and quantity of mold spores ” although no official standards have been established for unsafe levels. The EPA has guidelines for cleaning mold, but also suggestions about how to prevent the problems in the first place. For more information about mold please reference the EPA website

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