What is going on with mold?

Mold is as old as time, and will be here long after we're all gone. Mold has its purpose, to decompose waste materials. However, mold is an opportunist.  Mold is a growing problem in houses built from the mid 1970's to present. Why?

1. Over insulating
2. Poor or innadequate ventilation
3. Poor building practices
4. Unabated moisture conditions in the house
5. Water leaks that have not been properly cleaned.

MOLD INFORMATION

Mold is considered a serious health hazard. There are "professionals" that will argue mold is not a health hazard.  The health hazard depends on an individuals own immune system, so what may not affect 3 members of a household, may have a serious health consequence on another. Older people, very young children and immune system comprimised individuals are at the greatest risk for mold intolerance.

Lung disease and asthma are dramtically on the rise. Molds and other biological pollutants affect indoor air quailty and contribute to respiratory disease. IAQ (indoor air quality) has a great effect on "colds'  and general malaise on individuals, especially in the winter months, and for those who spend a great deal of time indoors.

At their mildest, molds can wrinkle the nose and cause coughing, sneezing, headaches and respiratory discomfort. At the worst, they can cause brain and lung damage, up to death.  While everyone has heard of Stachybotrys (black mold), not all molds that are black are stachy, and stachy is not the only mold to cause health issues in humans and animals. That is why it is important to test molds when you suspect a mold BEFORE you attempt to clean or remove the mold. KNOW what you are dealing with.

For example, penicillium is a very common mold. But if you or another member of your family is allergic to penicillin, the consequences can be life threatening. Some genis of aspergillius can live in the human body (lungs and heart lining) and so on.

Possible warning signs of mold growth

While not all mold is as evident as the above photo, here are conditions in a home that may be conducive to mold growth:

Tree roots that have infiltrated storm and sanitary lines.  Water backs up and basement wall moisture is evident.

Poor grading Flat or negative slope at the foundation wall is a sure sign of moisture in the home. Water takes the path of least resistance.

Downspout flow flow from gutters needs to be taken away from the structure. Splash blocks are not sufficient to do this, especially on flat or rolling grades.

Effloresence (white powdery substance) and staining on: chimneys, foundation or basement walls, tile, retaining walls, or anyother home surfaces are an indication of moisture pentration.

Flashing changes in roof elevations, flashing not proerly sealed, poor maintenance of roof and gutters may indicate a moisture propblem.

VENTILATION lack of roof and crawl space ventilation. If you do not see vents, or verify that the vents are truly cut through or not blocked,  there will be mold growth.  (it is difficult to determine ventilation in cathedral ceiling or roof lines w/o attic entrances.)

For further mold information: