Water Damage And Mold And The Possible Presence Of Spores

No one wants to buy a house when it has a mildew problem. Unfortunately, spores can grow in places that potential customers cannot see including around leaking pipes and between walls. If you're considering buying a home; find out about spore detection, request that specialized testing be performed, require how the seller disclose all mildew issues, and stipulate that the problem, if any exists, be resolved before choosing the house.

Mold Testing

Begin The procedure By Asking Your Home Inspection Professional About Possible Damage

If you have a property inspection professional inspect the premises before you buy the home, he or she could see obvious signs of water damage and mold throughout their inspection of those less seen places. While it is not their job to look for spores, most home inspection professionals will mention noticeable signs of water damage and the possible presence of spores. Also, do not be afraid to ask the inspector if they saw signs of mildew or noticed potential trouble spots and ask these phones include their observations in their report.

Set Mold Testing As A Top Priority

For individuals who are responsive to spores, a home inspection specialist's observations may need to be augmented by a mold testing expert. While some species of spores are visible and will often times produce an offensive odor, others can grow in areas that are less noticeable for example in wall paneling and under ceiling tiles. Specialized testing can unearth a potential problem, pinpoint the source, and find out the severity of the situation with the use of air sampling; swab and tape lift sampling, moisture mapping, and thermal imaging.

Mold Remediation Options

If spore growth is recent and confined to a tiny area, the problem can be remedied by scrubbing the area with detergent followed by a solution of bleach and water and then allowed to thoroughly dry. For problems that have been allowed to exist for long periods of time, a remediation expert may be the best option. For elevated amounts of mildew, a mold remediation company will eliminate spore sources, clean the air with specialized equipment, apply antimicrobial treatment to infected areas and areas that could become a possible source, and dispose of items that cannot be cleaned. After mold remediation has been completed, the organization will run a clearance test to make sure the issue has been eradicated.

Addressing Remediation Before Choosing a House

Black Mold

If you purchase a home and later discover it provides a mildew problem, it will be too late to ask the seller to defray the costs for spore remediation and for fixing the damage. This is the reason you should have mold testing done before getting the property. If testing reveals mildew issues, the buyer can ask the seller to reduce their price to cover mold remediation costs or can ask the seller to get rid of the mildew prior to the contract is signed. Be alert; protect your interests from the beginning.