Where is mold commonly found?
Mold can grow nearly anywhere, but within the home, it is usually found in the following areas:
- Attics ( typically around leaky areas of the roofs sheathing and bathroom vents.
- Inside of wall cavities
- Bathrooms and laundry room
- Underneath the kitchen & bathroom sinks
- Duct-work & Ventilation systems
- Crawlspaces
- Basements
If any area of your home has a high amount of humidity and moisture, mold can start to form, so keep an eye out for it.
How do I identify mold infestations?
Infestations of mold usually start of small, with just a few spores. They quickly grow to become a larger problem, however. The first sign of a possible mold problem is a musty smell. Other indicators include staining on walls, ceilings, or mold growing on visible surfaces such as walls. The increase or sudden onset of allergy symptoms can also be a sign of mold.
Get The Facts about mold
Although mold is an unpleasant fungus, it comes with some interesting facts. Here are a few:
Mold can be found inside and outside, and if your home suffers from high humidity and moisture, mold can begin to grow in just 48 hours. Indoor humidity levels of over 45% are perfect breeding grounds for mold spores.
Mold spores are microscopic and can’t be detected by the human eye. They float on the air and can enter homes through the windows, open doors, or leaks and cracks in your home’s foundation. They can also hitch a ride on clothing or in your pet’s fur.
Before remediation can start, the areas that contain the mold must first be thoroughly dried and any leaks must be dealt with.
Mold produces odor that can be described as musty.
What effects does mold have on my health?
CDC has done research on mold and has come to the conclusion that mold can result in a number of different health issues. In general, the most common symptoms of mold exposure are:
- Eye, nose, lung, and throat irritation
- Coughing
- Stuffy feeling in the nose
- Skin irritation
If you have asthma and are exposed, the exposure could potentially trigger an attack. People who have compromised immune systems such as the elderly and young children can end up with more serious issues like lung infections.
Cost of Mold remediation
When it comes time to pay for remediation, you’ll quickly learn that remediation services can cost anywhere from $500-$4,500. This cost takes into consideration the following:
The size of the area with mold. The more mold you have in your home to take care of, the more you’ll be paying for the service. Small spaces will cost around $500, while large areas such as entire basements or an attic can cost closer to $5,000.
The location of the mold is a big factor in the cost of remediation. If an HVAC system has been infested, the cost will be high ($3,500-$7,000).
If fabrics such as carpets have been involved and are unable to be sufficiently cleaned, they will need replacement, as will floor sheathing and insulation that has been damaged.
Roof leak damage. If the sheathing can’t properly be cleaned, the sheathing and the section of roofing above would need to be replaced. A typical cost between ($1,800-3,500) on average depending on size of area.