Mold 101- the basics to protecting your home from this nasty invader
Most homeowners don't worry about the threat of mold in and around their home until it becomes a problem. Left undetected, mold can quickly become a widespread issue and a big expense to be cleaned up.
Here's the lowdown on what to look for around your home and what you need to know about mold remediation:
1- It is recommended that homeowners check their home regularly for mold and to have an annual mold inspection conducted by a licensed professional. This will ensure that even the smallest problem is quickly identified and resolved.
2- Key areas in your home prone to mold are anywhere that moisture exists and lingers. For example, be sure to check basements, crawl spaces, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, around window casements and anywhere else that has a chance to become damp.
3- Mold remediation is the process of removing, cleaning and treating an area that has been consumed by mold growth. Many people wonder if mold remediation is covered by a standard home insurance policy. The answer is a tricky one as it varies from policy to policy and depends on the cause of the mold. For example, if a pipe bursts in a basement and the resulting water causes mold growth, a homeowners insurance company may cover the claim. However, you really need to talk to your agent about the specifics of your policy and the situation.
4- One reason it is so important to detect mold growth in a home immediately is because the cost of cleaning it increases as the problem grows. In fact, the III reported in a recent white paper that the average mold claim ranged from $15,000 to $30,000- about five times the average cost of a non-mold claim.
5- The biggest concern with mold inside of a home is the toxic characteristics that can make it dangerous to the health of the homeowner and their family. Children and adults can be affected by various conditions caused by mold including asthma, allergies, chronic sinus infections and other respiratory problems. Have your home checked regularly to avoid any health issues with mold.
For more information visit: How to prevent mold in your home