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Newsletter
- Summer 2001
12 Things you should know about mold
By John Pignatore, RHI, CCI
:: Potential health effects as well as symptoms associated
with mold include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory
complaints.
:: There is no practical way to eliminate all mold, this
includes mold spores in the indoor environment - the way to control
indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
:: If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the
mold and eliminate sources of mold.
:: Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent
mold growth.
:: Reduce indoor humidity to 30%-60%, in order to decrease
mold growth start by venting bathrooms, dryer area and other moisture
generating sources to the outside. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers,
increasing ventiliation and use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dish
washing and cleaning.
:: Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials as well
as furnishing within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
:: Clean mold off hard surfaces with water, detergent and
dry completely. Absorbent material such as ceiling tiles that are
moldy should be replaced.
:: Prevent condensation; reduce the potential for condensation
on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof or
floors) by adding insulation.
:: In areas where this is a perpetual moisture problem, do
not install carpeting nearby drinking fountains, concrete floors
with leaks or frequent condensations.
:: Mold can be found almost anywhere, as it can grow on virtually
any substance providing moisture is present. There are molds that
grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.
:: Mold and moisture generally go undetected in crawl spaces
and attics.
:: Homeowners should be inspecting their crawl spaces and
attics seasonally (4x a year).
A home over 10 years old should be inspected by a qualified inspector.
There are over 100 items of potential hazards in your home. Home
inspections need not be for selling and buying only. Your home is
the single most valuable investment you have made. Protect it.
Property
Inspection Specialist
is a full service residential and commercial property inspection
company. We conduct presale and prelisting inspections in the Richmond,
Tricities and surrounding counties.
For additional information on mold or any other areas of home maintenance
concern, contact us via phone, fax, or email :
804-270-6429 work
804-270-4491 fax
john@inspectionrealestate.com
wechk4u@comcast.net
Abbreviation Key
RHI = Registered House Inspector
CCI = Certified Construction Inspector
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