Mold-The Homeowner’s Ultimate Guide
There are misunderstandings about bees, ants, and termites, especially concerning mold found in real estate. Although they may share the same world, they do not belong inside our buildings.
With climate change, midwestern summer heat, and 2025's hurricane season boiling up down south, mold will be making headlines…again. Understanding the three levels of mold management is essential to homeowners and real estate professionals. This article about mold provides many valuable resources.
What is Mold?
Out of over 200 varieties, there are five main types of mold, and all vary in color, behavior, and the potential effects on occupants’ health.
16 of which can affect humans, and three are the most significant as a health threat:
Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger. Read more about identification in the following links.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold is not just found in the humid South. It can be found almost anywhere, growing on virtually any substance with moisture. Inside, it commonly grows on wood, paper, carpet, drain pans, and fabric. The prevalence of mold varies by region but is found everywhere, including dry, cold climates.
The Impact of Mold and the potential health effects on building occupants .
Symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The building structure itself can be compromised in areas of long-term colony growth.
What is Mold Remediation vs. Mold Removal?
Mold removal is the physical removal of all areas of mold. There is no such thing as total removal of mold; it is only the removal of the infected areas seen and suspected. Mold removal is the first part of the remediation. During removal, safety precautions are taken for workers, and measures are used to prevent mold spores from spreading. These can include HEPA filters, closing off the area, and closing the air intake to the HVAC system.
2. Remediation is where the origin of the mold problem is fixed. This could be a leaky pipe, condensation, poor window seals, lack of ventilation, etc. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. The key to controlling indoor mold growth is to control moisture inside and ensure good ventilation. Any sweating of pipes, appliances, leaks, or water drips must be repaired. Condensation in a poorly ventilated attic is possible in cold, snowy climates.
Does homeowners' insurance cover mold?
There are two clear distinctions based on the type of occurrence. One is a sudden impact of a flood or another event that brought the situation on. Policy language will define what is considered an occurrence and if your policy even covers that.
If it is not an “event,” it is considered “maintenance neglect.” Contact your professional insurance advisor for more information about mold repair coverage.
How to Clean Existing Mold:
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry thoroughly. All cleaning rags, towles et all to be bagged and disposed. Absorbent materials, such as moldy ceiling tiles or drywall, must be replaced. Information on how to clean mold is available from the EPA. Here is a link for cleaning
When should you hire professionals, and who?
The EPA provides resources on who can test, clean, fix, and remediate mold in your home. This is one job, if not done thoroughly, and the initiating problem(s) corrected, can reoccur.
When Mold is discovered during a Real Estate inspection.
The mold disclosure and regulations guidelines differ by state; no overarching federal language exists. Know what a seller must disclose about current or even past mold issues. Failure to disclose is a top claim against real estate agents, so it is essential for the professional. Here is a link about high desert Western states and mold, plus several more related to mold & real estate.
Conclusion
Finding mold in your home will set off a string of questions and feelings of panic. There are many facets to this topic, and it is important to immediately find the cause of moisture and seek out a professional to do a thorough removal and remediation …correctly.
In this article, I have shared links to many related articles. There is no affiliation or sponsorship. This is the beginning of finding answers when faced with a ” must fix it now” situation.I hope it helps, and I welcome replies from mold mitigation and real estate professionals.
Sustainability is relative by geographical region (see link below).
So please, mention where you are from. Comments: Jkeefe@ingreenliving.com