Damage from mold can be costly when it comes your property. When the conditions of moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present, mold will grow and spread. This can cause diminished air quality, affect the structure of your home or building, and lead to health problems.
In addition, owning a property that is suffering from high levels of mold can also reduce its value in comparison to property without fungus growth issues. Therefore it is important to understand how to identify and prevent any occurrences of mold in order to protect the safety and value of your property.
Damage Caused by Mold
The damage caused by mold can be extensive and costly. Structurally, it can weaken the building material, reduce its integrity and even contribute to safety hazards for occupants of the property.
Mold can also cause significant damage to personal items such as clothing, furniture and electronics. As these are stained or discolored due to mold growth, they can no longer be salvaged or used safely.
Further, when selling the property, the presence of mold is often associated with poor cleanliness or maintenance standards; this lowers the property\’s value and makes it harder to sell.
Lastly, exposure to mold spores has been known to produce adverse health effects in humans, such as respiratory illnesses, allergies or allergic reactions and other health issues that may present a greater risk in those with weakened immune systems.
Common Areas for Mold Growth
Mold can be found in many places, but there are some particularly common areas where it grows. Humid and moist spaces, like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, attics and roofs – especially if there\’s a leak – are likely spots for mold formation.
Additionally, mold can build up in HVAC systems due to the moisture contained within them. Lastly, wall cavities and insulation are places where mold is typically found as well if there\’s a leak present or moisture buildup has occurred.
Signs of Mold Damage
Mold damage can be hard to spot, but if left untreated it can lead to costly repairs. Some warning signs of mold growth include visible mold on surfaces like walls, ceilings and floors, discoloration or staining on walls or ceilings, a musty odor in the air, and water damage or leaks.
If you notice any of these signs in your home or building, investigate further to locate the source of the problem. It\’s important to address water damage and leaks right away as this can create an environment for potential mold growth.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of mold growth is key to protecting both health and property. To achieve this, humidity should be kept low with the use of a dehumidifier in main sources such as basements and bathrooms. Additionally, any water damage needs to be fixed immediately.
Ventilation alongside this can also help reduce moisture in the air. In cases where mold damage is suspected, seeking the help of a professional from a mold remediation company is recommended for proper assessment and treatment.
Insurance Coverage for Mold Damage
Knowing what kind of insurance coverage for mold damage you have is essential. Homeowners insurance policies may cover mold damage related to a covered event such as water damage from a burst pipe. However, some policies specifically exclude mold damage from coverage.
Make sure to file a claim as soon as possible if you believe the damages should be covered under your policy and keep detailed records of all dealings with your insurance company.
Provide documentation to substantiate your claim and be prepared for the insurer sending an adjuster for an assessment to determine whether it is in fact covered or not by your policy.