ASSESSING PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM MOLD CONTAMINATION

ASSESSING PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM MOLD

Assessing property damage from mold is a critical part of identifying different types of mold in your home. The main priority when assessing damage from mold is to identify the source of moisture, whether from a leak or structural defect, and eliminate it. Once the source of the moisture has been identified, the next step is to clean up any existing contamination and determine if any structures have sustained damage. Property damage caused by mold can range from small spots on walls to full-scale structural damage, making it essential to accurately determine the extent of the damage and its impact on the building.

When determining property damage due to mold, there are two camps of thought. On one side, some believe that any visible mold should be treated as an emergency situation that needs to be remediated immediately. Others argue that only significant or active mold growth should be addressed urgently, and minor infestations can wait until further evidential assessment is done by a qualified professional.

Evidence suggests that depending on the type of material affected, property damage due to mold can occur quickly and spread quickly if left untreated. Some types of materials such as paper, wood and drywall can be more easily affected by fungal growth than concrete or plastic which are more often affected by bacteria. In addition, outdoor fungal systems tend to cause much less property damage than indoor ones given their access to beneficial environmental factors like sunlight and rain which helps reduce their prevalence. Larger colonies present a higher risk where they tend to penetrate harder surfaces such as tile grout creating larger and deeper networks in less time than smaller collectives.

As such, it is essential for homeowners with visible mold in their home to seek out a qualified professional to assess their level of property damage before taking any action in order to ensure sufficient covered by insurance coverage as well as not over-remediating a controllable situation thus depleting resources unnecessarily. The best way for homeowners to protect their investment is to take proactive steps such as regular inspections for signs of moisture intrusion and responding early in cases where it is discovered.

COMMON SIGNS OF MOLD

Mold may be present in your home and contaminate the air you breathe without you even realizing it. If it occurs in places not frequented, it’s easier not to notice them. Here are some common tell-tale signs:

1. Paint of Wallpaper Damage: If the mold has formed inside wall cavities, you’ll notice the paint or wallpaper starting to chip. The affected area will also be damp. In severe cases, the wall can start decaying.
2. Stains: This is the most apparent sign of mold as it creates blackish, brownish stains on the surface. Stains can occur on the ceiling, flooring, carpeting, and walls.
3. Musty Odor: Mold in enclosed spaces can have a particular odor that smells like stagnant water. If mold forms in cabinets or closets with closed doors, you’ll be able to smell it distinctly when you open the doors. If you’re smelling such an odor in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s time to call Indoor Microbial Specialist (IMS) Scientist and engineers experts in mold contamination in Florida.

TO SCHEDULE A MOLD INSPECTION, MOLD TESTING or MOLD ASSESSMENT VISIT US AT: INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST  or call us at: 352-633-3591. Two offices to serve you: The Villages & Gainesville, Florida.  We service from Orange County to Alachua County, Florida, and everything in between.