Category: Home Inspection

Is Living in a House with Mold Dangerous?

While mold is important in nature, it can be a reason for concern in your home. Luckily, most types of mold are generally innocent, but a little spot may later become a big problem. When mold procreates, it releases spores into the air which can cause problems if breathed in by those with mold allergies or respiratory issues. According to a few studies, there is a correlation between an early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in some younger children.

For a majority of people, household mold, mildew or fungi is nontoxic and goes unnoticed. However, it can have an effect on other folks who are sensitive or who have asthma. In most cases, the density of the mold and severity of a person’s allergies has the most effect on their reaction. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, wheezing, headaches and similar cold-like symptoms are most often associated with mold and mildew allergies, making it hard to target the problem accurately. The most severe reactions include short breath.

Those with asthma need to be particularly cautious near high concentrations of mold because it may trigger asthma attacks. Other sensitive groups at risk include:

Infants and toddlers

Seniors

Immune sensitive individuals

Anyone with serious pulmonary disease

Where Mold can be Found

Mold and mildew will build up over time in damp places. A home can get a mold infestation through open doors, windows, vents and air conditioning and heating systems. Mold doesn’t only invade your home through windows and doors. It can also attach onto your clothes, backpacks, pets and shoes and be brought indoors.

The continual growth of mold will affect the physical well-being of your family, your possessions and the structure itself. Mold growth commonly occurs in wet places, but it can be found in places you may not think to look. These include:

Paper products

Ceiling tiles

Cardboard

Wood products

Paints

Insulation

Drywall

Upholstery

MOLD REMEDIATION

When moisture is present, molds can grow on virtually any substance and people are more susceptible to the health effects of microbial growth when it is contained in an indoor environment. Prompt attention to water damage or visible mold can often keep a minor problem from becoming major and can help guard against health issues and property damage. From containment to content cleaning, to environment stabilization, you can trust Steamatic to provide a comprehensive solution to any mold issues.

Initial Inspection and Scope – Steamatic technicians have the experience and tools to determine the scope of the damage and provide accurate assessments as well as action plans for removal.

Superior Equipment and Experience – We use only the highest quality HEPA filtration equipment to remediate microbial contamination.

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

Do you sneeze and cough more at home than anywhere else? This could be an indication of mold in your house. Telltale side effects of allergic reactions to mold often look like cold or flu-like side effects such as frequent sneezing, red eyes and nasal congestion. The notorious dangerous species called black mold, is an especially potent strain of mildew that grows quickly in warm, damp areas such as near windows.

Many people discover visible mold in their house but ignored it, thinking it’s dust or soot. Patches of black mold will emerge in a pattern of dots. These groups often appear slimy with a grayish green hue. Hire an affordable mold repair company. Get a quote for affordable service today!

Black mold just requires a small amount of moisture to thrive and grow, so if your house has had past flooding, old pipes and condensation, it could be suitable for this species. Look for water stains or discoloration on the walls, floors or ceilings of your home as a sign of mold. If your home has a stale, mildew odor, it could be a sign of undiscovered black mold. Find out today with an affordable quote on mold damage repair from our company!

If you suspect mold in your home, it’s important to call black mold damage repair professionals. Prolonged exposure can lead to conditions such as:

Headaches

Irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth

Rashes

Vomiting

Finding Black Mold in Your Home

Mold may come inside your house in various ways like through ventilation, windows, doors, carried on clothes, pets and other surfaces the mold spores encounter. Mold spores are typically anywhere you go, inside and out, however you can take precautions to keep it from establishing groups in your house. If you suspect black mold somewhere in your home, don’t wait. Get a quote for affordable mold damage repair from our qualified contractors!

Interior Mold Detection and Inspection Services

Whether you can see it or not, chances are there is mold on your property. Mold is a part of nature, although the kind of mold that grows in your home or property is the real problem. Mold spores travel through the air, entering structures through openings like doors, windows and HVAC systems. Spores can also be brought into a home on shoes, clothing and animals. It can be basically impossible for you to prevent mold from entering your property.

Indoor Mold Remediation and Abatement Services

Detecting and identifying mold is step one in what can be a long procedure. When it comes to taking care of mold safely, the prime choice is working with a company which specializes in all aspects pertaining to the process. We provide mold removal and remediation services partnered with basic mold testing. Mold causes damage to your property as well as major health concerns for your family. Mold, unlike most allergens, can negatively affect the health of any person regardless if they have allergies or not. Mold advances through the surfaces it’s found in, meaning that the longer it remains untreated in your residence, the worse its effects are.

Types of Mold

There are 3 basic kinds of mold:

Allergenic: These produce and cause allergic reactions.

Pathogenic: These molds cause health issues in people which suffer from acute illnesses.

Toxigenic: These molds produce toxic microbes.

A few common molds are:

Penicillium — A mold that most commonly grows on wallpaper, wallpaper glue, decaying textiles, carpets and fiberglass insulation. It will cause hay-fever like reactions and induces asthma attacks.

Aspergillus — This is a warm environment mold that grows outdoors and indoors. Aspergillus can be located in areas of extreme dampness and extensive water damage, as well as decomposing organic matter. Aspergillus is also found inside of dust and produces mycotoxins.

Alternaria — This mold is commonly found in soil, showers, window frames, carpets and textiles. This large spore mold takes traction in soft tissue, like the nose, mouth and respiratory tract.

Cladosporium — Cladosporium is the highest commonly identified outdoor fungus easily enters homes. It thrives in porous, damp surfaces such as wood and textiles. The indoor and outdoor kinds cause asthma attacks along with inducing hay-fever like reactions.

Stachybotrys — Being the least rampant household mold is fortunate, as it’s among the more insidious. It requires excessive moisture to thrive, and causes breathing issues, flu-like symptoms, loss of hearing and memory, and bleeding lungs.

Acremonium — This toxic mold thrives in areas of moisture such as humidifiers, drain pans, window sealants and cooling coils. It is a powdery mold that thrives in an array of colors like pink, white, grey or orange.

Aureobasidium — Aureobasidium is often discovered growing behind wallpaper and painted wood surfaces. It starts out pink or light brown in color but deepens to dark brown-black as it ages. This highly allergic responsive mold causes skin rashes and eye infections.

Chaetomium — This mold is found in houses after flooding or leaking and in chronically damp conditions. It carries a musty odor, cottony texture and changes colors from white to grey or brown over time. Chaetomium is also known to produce mycotoxins that affect the immune system, causing skin and nail infections.

Cladosporium — This unique mold grows in warm and cold areas and spreads quickly on upholstery, fabrics, carpets and under floorboards. It reacts strongly with wet tissues in eyes, nose, mouth and throat.

Fusarium — This mold is most commonly located in soft goods and grows and moves in cold weather. A reddish variety is found in organic products like house plants, and both kinds can move quickly through a home. Symptoms begin as a sore throat, runny eyes and skin infections and can progress to brain abscesses and bone infections.

Trichoderma — This is a highly allergic mold with 5 subspecies. It’s a rapidly growing mold with a wool like texture and is mostly green and white. It grows in moist and consistently damp areas like HVAC systems, wood and textiles. Along with health symptoms the same as other mycotoxins, this mold also destroys the surfaces it inhabits, causing decay and structures to crumble.

Ulocladium — This mold is mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms. It is one of the black molds and contributes to asthma and respiratory ailments.

MOLD REMEDIATION & TESTING

MOLD REMEDIATION IN YOUR BUSINESS

Mold contamination is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Mold, a fungus that is found in damp places, can grow almost anywhere moist conditions exist. Left unattended, it can cause health problems as well as serious structural damage to your facility. As your go-to experts in mold remediation, we take a methodical and systematic approach to carefully identify the source of the mold growth and help eliminate mold from your working environment

MOLD IN YOUR HOME

One of the worst contaminants known is the silent but dangerous growth of mold. Mold can grow indoors on wet or damp surfaces, such as wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpets, insulation material, wood and drywall. It can start to grow within 48 hours and if left unchecked, can have serious impacts on both your quality of life and your home’s physical structure. If you see signs of mold or suspect that it has infected your home, we’re here to help remediate the problem and prevent long-term damage.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of mold exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Mold spreads and reproduces by making spores. Spores can survive conditions that are too sunny, hot, cold, dry or wet for mold to grow. When spores are released they can be carried by air or water to new locations.

Where Does Mold Come From?

Molds thrive in moist environments created by a flood, slow leak, broken pipe or just high humidity. Without water mold, cannot grow. Mold also needs a food source, oxygen and a temperature between 40 degrees and 100 degrees F.

How Does Mold Spread?

For molds to grow and reproduce, they only need an organic food source, such as cellulose, which is found in building materials such as wood and drywall.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. On average, a single-family home inspection usually takes 2-4 hours to complete, though this is heavily dependent on the of the size and condition of the home. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis and recommendations.

Why do homebuyers need a home inspection?

Buying a home could be the largest single investment the homebuyer will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before they buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding about their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence. If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can give them the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

What is covered in a home inspection report?

Exterior, Foundation & Structural Components (also could include basement, crawlspace)

This section will generally include:

• Description of structure, foundation, floors, walls & ceilings
• Condition of the visible elements such as foundation walls, framing, slabs, posts, beams, joists, etc.
• Indications of moisture or water penetration
• Land grading around the home, walkways, steps, driveways, decks, patios, retaining walls, etc.

Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

This section will generally include:

Description of roofing materials, drainage systems, & ventilation

• Flashings, soffits & fascias
• Skylights, Chimneys, & any roof penetrations
• Inspectors aren’t required to climb on the roof to inspect, but many will if it is easily accessible and safe.

Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

This section will generally include:

• Presence of attic insulation and approximate depth (R-value)
• Any evidence of water intrusion
• Kitchen, bathroom, & laundry exhaust systems
• Ventilation of unfinished spaces

There must be sufficient headroom for inspectors to enter attic spaces or they may not be able to inspect.

Electrical

This section will generally include:

• Location of main sub-panels, amperage rating, wiring method
• Presence or absence of smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
• Inspection of technical aspects – service drop, entrance conductors, cables, disconnects, grounding, over-current protection devices, electric meter & base, etc.
• Verifying operation of a representative number of switches, fixtures & receptacles
• Inspection of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) receptacles using a GFCI tester

Inspectors are not required to test every outlet, move furniture or appliances, or test ancillary items like burglar alarms, timers, etc.

If you’re the home seller

It’s in your interests as a seller to provide quick and easy access to everything on that home inspection checklist. Here are some ways you can help:

• Leave keys (for instance, for your electrical panel), and label them where the inspector can find them
• Make sure all pilot lights are on for fireplaces and furnaces, even in summer — so the inspector can check heating and other appliances
• Tidy your basement — There needs to be an unobstructed path down the steps and through to your furnace/HVAC unit/water heater and anything else that needs inspecting
• Tidy your attic same as your basement
• Clean up key areas in your yard so the inspector won’t need a machete to get to your crawl space, drainage access points or septic tank
• If the home is vacant and the utilities have been shut off, have them reconnected

Being helpful won’t necessarily buy you a better report, but even professionals appreciate thoughtfulness.

How to get a better report

Inspectors are people, too. And, just like everyone else, they associate a clean, sweet-smelling home with owners who care about — and for — their property. It will do you no harm if the inspection starts off from that perspective.

Chances are, you recently prepared your home for showing and it’s already in close-to-perfect condition. But look around for new defects. If a tile’s slipped from the roof or a pane of glass has cracked, get them fixed in advance. Similarly, if your furnace or HVAC is temperamental or is overdue for maintenance, get it professionally serviced.

This is not the time to carry out expensive works. But you might as well go for any quick wins that are available. After all, your buyer’s likely to try to leverage any black marks in the inspection report for a lower price. Who knows? You might even save a few bucks.

What they don’t inspect

Again, while there is variation of what home inspectors look for, there are areas that are generally not covered by a home inspection. If you suspect any problems or concerns in the following areas, you may want to schedule an evaluation by a certified specialist. Here are a few of the things they do not generally inspect:

• Pest control,
• Swimming pools,
• Asbestos,
• Radon gas,
• Venting equipment with household appliances,
• Indoor air quality,
• Lead paint and
• Toxic mold.

Things a Home Inspection Doesn’t Cover

Insulation Voids

If there’s something (or nothing) in your walls, don’t expect a home inspector to start knocking holes in the drywall to take a look. Yeah, he’ll check the electrical outlets, but if the insulation on your northern-facing family room wall is non-existent or puddled around the baseboards, invest in some heavy duty socks (and a comfy sweater) come next winter, because your house will be cold.

Warped Floors

If the living room is carpeted with thick pile, it might not be immediately apparent that your son would be able to use the floor’s slope when he practices his skateboarding techniques. Inspectors don’t check to make sure that rooms are square and floors are level — because most of them just aren’t. How unsquare and unlevel may mean the difference between lounging on your sofa and hanging on for dear life. Houses go up quickly these days, so don’t expect the price of your home to be the determiner of quality workmanship. Grab a level (and a T square) and check for yourself.

Septic Tank Goo

Unless the backyard is a swamp of raw sewage, an inspector will check the pipes but generally disregard the septic tank system. This could mean an expensive and revolting education in the science of waste disposal if something goes wrong later. Septic tank problems are vile, hideous, nauseating and — did we say vile? Before you consider buying a home that isn’t connected to your city’s sewage disposal utility, have the septic tank evaluated by a contractor who specializes in septic system maintenance and repair.

Floor Creaks

Remember coming home late from a date when you were a teenager and trying to skip the creaking fourth (or fifth) staircase tread to avoid detection? Well, those days may be gone, but creaking homes are still common. Some homes creak so much they sound like Halloween haunted house tapes.

If you ever want to sneak up on your kids to make sure they’re really doing their homework, it’s nice to have a home that doesn’t announce your every move. Newer homes may creak less, but don’t count on it. Walk around any house you have in mind with a keen ear and the spirit of a dedicated disciplinarian. You might want to consider the flip side, too. Do you prefer silent stealth for yourself, or would you rather have a telltale creak announce the arrival of late night miscreants?