Signs That The Home You're Looking At May Have Mold Issues
As a home buyer, you may wonder how you would know if a home you're looking at has any risk of mold problems. Luckily, there are some common things that you can look for that often increase the chances of mold presence. If you see any of these things present in a home you're interested in buying, you should have the home inspected by a mold remediation company as a contingency of the sale.
Water Stains
The presence of water stains anywhere in the house, whether on the ceiling, on the carpeting, or even along the walls, indicates that there has been water damage at some point. Whether it was a leaky pipe or any other form of damage, that water issue can often lead to the growth of mold.
Household Humidifier
When trying to combat dry air in a house, many homeowners will install a whole-house humidifier system. While these will certainly help to eliminate dry air issues, the humidifier can also push too much moisture into the air. The excess moisture will lead to the chances for mold growth indoors, so it's important to have the house assessed by a mold specialist first.
Fish Tanks And Hot Tubs
Any kind of water-containing elements in the home will increase the humidity levels of the air. That's because water will evaporate into the air naturally, and the more water-containing objects there are in the home, the more humidity there's likely to be in the air. Even if you can't feel it, that excess moisture can lead to mold problems.
Laundry Machine Venting
While you are walking around the home, take some time to see how the laundry machines are vented. If they are not properly vented and draining outside the home, that means that you are getting moisture in the house. The humidity of the dryer and any water draining from the washer that passes back into the house will increase the chances of mold growth, particularly in the room where the laundry machines are.
Property Layout
If the property slopes so that water could be running toward the basement, that's another cause for concern. Check the basement for any musty odors, because an accumulation of moisture against the basement walls can lead to moisture in the basement, and the dark, damp environment would be perfect for mold development.
Being attentive to these little details as you examine a home will help you to identify any potential mold hazards in the property before you make an offer. Work with a mold remediation and removal company like Safe-Way Waterproofing to inspect and treat the property if you have concerns.
