Mold and Homes

Mold is one of those household problems people fear. Of course, it’s undesirable, but it can be manageable. First, it’s important to understand where mold grows and its origin. It can be both indoors and outdoors, and can attach itself to various items such as clothing or shoes and be carried indoors. Once inside, it grows in moist places. It can grow around leaks, or in wallpaper, drywall, fabric, or even ceiling tiles. If you do encounter mold in your home, it’s important to both mitigate the mold itself, then fix the originating area.

How to Get Rid of Mold:

Professional mold companies assist in removing mold. If you do have mold, contact the Durango Team for recommendations in this area. The CDC also recommends soap and water or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. However, due to the specific instructions involved and the importance of mold removal, we recommend a professional tackle this issue.

Mold Mitigation:

In order to mitigate mold and monitor the area, there are a few practical steps to take. It’s important to control humidity levels, and a dehumidifier helps manage the levels of moisture in a home, particularly in areas such as attics or crawl spaces. Fix any leaks quickly to avoid moisture accumulating. Also, it’s important to keep areas dry. This is especially relevant in areas such as the shower or laundry room, or any place with flooding. Again, local companies can also assist in the mold mediation process, and we would be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Mold is an important issue for homeowners. If you currently own a home and spot mold, it’s an issue you’ll want to resolve immediately. If you’re considering purchasing a home with mold, it’s important to be aware of the ramifications of mold. It can be both a health and safety issue, as well as an issue of structural integrity.

For home sellers, we recommend eliminating the problem. Homebuyers may consider an alternate property if mold is present, as many times perception becomes reality. Even if the mold is not a bad problem, oftentimes the perception of mold causes buyers to look elsewhere. If you’ve had mold removed and mitigated, you may consider a pre-listing inspection or mold certification to show you’ve handled the issue.

Mold is essentially a three-step process. Eliminate the source, kill the mold, and utilize a product that kills and prevents mold to keep it from returning, either through a professional or from a place such as Home Depot (they sell Mold Control, which eliminates and prevents mold). As always, we are available for any assistance or referrals you need in this process. Our goal is to keep homeowners safe, while also providing practical tips and suggestions to home buyers and sellers who may deal with mold. The CDC provides helpful details at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

 


Post courtesy of The Durango Team Blog.  Read more or search Durango real estate.

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