Mold Inspection FAQs
If you’re purchasing a new home, you may need to do a mold inspection. While most home inspectors will do cursory checks for mold, they won’t do an in-depth inspection as part of their standard home inspection.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about mold inspection – and help you determine if you need one. Let’s get started.
What Is Mold? How Does It Get Into A House?
Mold is a fungus that is part of our natural environment. It’s present pretty much everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, floating around as little “spores”, which may have negative effects on humans or animals.
The trouble arises when mold finds an environment in your home that is hospitable to its growth. Mold grows in dark, damp environments – and can often grow in just a few days. Here in the Pacific NW mold is most common in our attics where is grows on the sheathing of the roof structure.
Most types of mold are pretty much harmless. They’re simply aesthetically unappealing, and can cause some minor damage to the walls on which they grow, like stains and paint damage.
However, some types of mold, like black mold, can have negative effects on the human respiratory system, and pose a danger to you and your family.
What Is Black Mold, And What Are Its Effects?
Black mold is a particular type of mold which produces mycotoxins, which can negatively affect indoor air quality.
In small amounts it is not as toxic or dangerous as the media would have you believe, but it has been known to cause respiratory problems in both adults and children, so it should be removed as soon as possible.
How Can I Get Rid Of Black Mold?
Bleach is a great home remedy to get rid of black mold. It destroys the fungus quickly – you can use a simple solution of 1:10 bleach: water in a spray bottle, and spray it all over the affected areas. Then, simply let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe the remaining mold away.
However, to keep black mold from recurring, you will need to ensure that the area which has been affected is well-ventilated, and gets adequate natural light. If the area remains dark and damp, the mold infestation may recur. This is why it is generally recommend to have a license mold remediation specialist fully inspect and treat the specific area. Any self-remedies should be conducted using proper safety equipment.
Do I Need A Mold Inspection?
The EPA says that you don’t really need a mold inspection unless you notice visible mold somewhere in the house.
If you do notice mold, chances are that there is quite a bit spread throughout the house and a professional should come in for an inspection, to determine the extent of the infestation, and whether or not it poses any threat to you or your family.
Understand Black Mold – And Make The Right Choice When Inspecting Your Home
Although black mold is a real problem, fear mongering in the media has made it seem more dangerous than it generally is.
If you think there is a serious mold problem or are simply unsure, it is recommended to have your house tested.
