Category: Home Inspection

“Mold Removal” vs. Mold Remediation

What’s the Difference?

If a company is promising to remove the mold from your home, you may want to double check that company’s credentials. Mold spores are floating in the air and on every surface, both indoors and outdoors. Something as small, naturally occurring and found everywhere as mold would be hard to completely and totally remove all mold from your home. While the thought of mold being around you right now can be overwhelming, mold remediation is very possible. The remediation process contains the mold damage in your home, mitigating any additional damage or issues

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Mold

Mold spores need water to grow. In most instances, mold problems occur when there is excess water. Mold problems in a bathroom resulting from steam can be controlled by wiping down shower walls and using an exhaust fan when showering.

When a mold problem exists which can’t be readily traced to a leak, it is recommended that the building be inspected in order to identify the excess water source. Once the problem has been identified and corrected, proper mold remediation can be performed.

Health Effects of Mold

Mold can be a health concern. Unfortunately, it is not known how much mold is needed to cause health problems. However, there are factors that can be used to assess whether an increased health risk may be present. These include evaluating the individual who has been exposed and the extent and conditions of the mold growth. Some individuals who have pre‐existing health conditions may be at an increased risk. Individuals who have allergies or lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema can exhibit health effects from exposure. Very young infants and the elderly may also be at an increased risk of health issues relating to mold exposure.

Information for Renters

Renters who have mold problems in their rental space often have difficulty getting the mold problem corrected.  Due to the lack of regulations, government offices have little authority to cite building owners regarding mold contamination. Renters should contact their local building code office regarding any unrepaired building leaks. When doing so, please be reminded that building code offices, like other government offices, most likely do not have mold regulations. Therefore, they will only be able to address structural deficiencies such as water leaks, plumbing issues, etc.  You may also want to consider seeking legal advice regarding your rights in this situation.

Mold Inspections, Testing, Remediation and Training

Environmental Consultants

A list of Environmental Consultants who provide mold and other indoor air and environmental health services in residential dwellings. These companies may also perform additional environmental health testing and investigative services for contaminants such as asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint and radon.

Laboratories

A list of laboratories who have expertise in microbiology for mold and bacterial analysis. These laboratories may also provide analytical services for other indoor environmental contaminants.

Remediation Firms

A list of remediation firms who perform mold remediation and clean-up services.

Mold Remediation

For spaces found to be “moldy” (i.e., water-damaged, regardless of the findings on testing, when used), remediation by certified personnel is recommended. Improper efforts can spread microbes (such as mold, bacteria and parasites), spores, fragments and toxins throughout the entire structure as water-damaged building materials are removed. As such, in many cases, occupants should be relocated during the remediation process.

Because many factors must be considered when remediating water-damaged homes, schools, offices and other buildings, and because there are several industry guidelines and government publications about remediation, it is not practical to provide a detailed discussion of mold remediation in this paper. However, we will be discussing a few key topics relating to remediation.

It is important to state there are some water damage situations that cannot be resolved or corrected with remediation, and remediation is not always successful. If remediation is attempted, proper containment procedures and personal protective equipment are critical, because disturbing or handling the contaminants can result in increased aerosolized spores and particles containing mycotoxins which can be dangerous to human health and destructive to property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

During remediation or renovation of water-damaged structures, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used to protect the occupants and workers.

Protective clothing that covers the entire body (i.e., a disposable body suit such as TYVEK with mold-impervious, disposable head and foot coverings). All gaps in the clothing, such as those around ankles and wrists, should be sealed.

An N-95 respirator or better (i.e., a half-face or full-face respirator with N, R or P100 filters).

Protective gloves (made of natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or polyvinylchloride). Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.

Non-vented goggles. Wear goggles that provide complete eye protection. Choose goggles designed to keep out dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes will not protect you against dust and small particles.

HVAC Systems and Ducts

HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems and ducts are common topics in regard to remediation of homes and buildings with mold contamination. As mentioned above, there are some situations that cannot be remediated. HVAC systems are difficult because there are many parts and because it is used to move air through the structure.

What to Expect from Mold Remediation on a House

What Is Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation is typically the removal, cleaning, and disinfecting of mold-contaminated areas such as inside a home. Remediation process entails the use of specialized equipment and methods to ensure complete removal while preventing new growth of mold.

What Can You Expect During Mold Remediation?

While every mold damage situation varies and demands a unique solution, the mold remediation process remains the same.

Repair of the water plumbing system. This will help prevent the growth of new mold spores.

Isolation of mold containment area. This entails sealing off the contaminated area from the other parts of the house. This is done by closing all windows and doors. Other openings are sealed using six mil polyethylene sheeting. The sheeting seams are then sealed using duct tapes.

Control airborne spores. This is done by misting the contaminated spots.

Vacuuming of moldy surfaces. While vacuuming, the wet/dry vacuum is kept outside.

Cleaning and Removal of moldy materials. All wet and mold-contaminated material is discarded in plastic bags to lower the risk of mold spores getting dispersed into the air. Proper cleaning of all non-porous materials is done.

Spraying and scrubbing of unmovable structure elements. The professionals will then scrub all mold-contaminated surfaces with a damp cloth soaked in a detergent solution. This will help ensure all mold is completely removed.

Disinfecting and encapsulating surfaces. The cleaned areas are then disinfected using the appropriate products and deodorizing agents to remove and kill any mold left.

Drying wet materials. All the cleaned materials are then allowed to dry to ensure no moisture is leftover. Some expert mold removal companies will speed up the process using dehumidifiers, fans, or by increasing the indoor air temperature.

Replace and rebuild. All damaged materials previously removed are then repaired or replaced.

How Long Will It Take?

How long it will take to perform the entire mold remediation process varies depending on various factors. Some of them include the amount of mold present, the part of the house mold is growing, and the type of material with mold-contamination. However, the process can take between one to five days.

Mold Remediation Services You Can Count On

No facilities manager wants to hear that a building has mold, especially not if a lot of people spend time in the building. Left unchecked, mold growth can spread throughout a building’s insulation, ceilings, walls, carpeting, and HVAC system. High mold spore counts can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Sick employees, guests, or students are a lawsuit waiting to happen. If you or a resident discovers moldy areas in one or more of your buildings, don’t delay.

WHAT IS MOLD REMEDIATION?

Mold remediation focuses on getting your building’s mold problem under control. There will always be a certain amount of naturally occurring mold spores in the air, but when humid conditions, an undetected roof leak, a plumbing leak, flooding, or other moisture problem causes mold to grow, you need to call trusted mold remediation specialists. In many commercial facilities, the existence of a mold issue isn’t revealed until other renovations or repairs are underway.

INSPECTION AND MOLD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

When we come to your location, we will do a visual inspection for mold. We may ask for the results of any air quality tests you have had done. We may cut into drywall, lift up carpeting, etc., to determine the extent of the spread of the mold. We may also use a moisture meter to determine how much moisture is in the air.

IDENTIFYING THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MOLD

Mold only grows in areas where it is damp or moist. We will identify the root cause of the moisture, and come up with a targeted solution. Causes of moisture in a building can include:

Leaking pipes

An HVAC system that is not removing enough humidity

Foundation moisture issues

Faulty construction

A one-time event, such as flooding

MOLD CONTAINMENT

Proper mold containment will keep the mold spores in the affected area from spreading during the mold remediation process. We’ll install a HEPA Filtered Negative Air machine, which will pull contaminated air out, and exhaust it outside through flexible tubing. Your HVAC system will be turned off during the mold remediation process to prevent mold spores from circulating to uncontaminated areas. .

The benefits of a pre-listing inspection

Many sellers might not realize that they have the option to get a pre-listing home inspection – a home inspection that they pay for themselves before ever putting their house on the market. In general, the home buyer adds the completion of a successful home inspection as a contingency to an offer on a home. Once buyers conduct the inspection, they have the power to negotiate with the seller regarding who pays for any necessary repairs, and they even have the power to walk away from the deal altogether.

When sellers have a pre-listing home inspection, they can get ahead of issues a buyer might find in the home and reduce the likelihood a deal will fall through. A pre-listing inspection serves many benefits not only for the seller, but also for his or her agent.

How a pre listing inspection benefits sellers

A pre-listing inspection brings a great deal of advantages to a seller:

It helps the seller and his or her agent more accurately price the home

Sellers who do not wish to fix the issues revealed during a pre-listing inspection can factor the repair costs into the asking price of the home and explain to buyers that while the home has certain issues, they will be getting it for a lower price as a result. Conversely, sellers who do decide to make repairs or who come up with a clean home inspection can ask buyers for more money.

It ensures a smoother, more efficient transaction

When issues are discovered during a pre-listing inspection, the seller can either have them fixed ahead of putting the home on the market or choose to disclose the issues to potential buyers. Either choice will make the home sell faster because it will prevent the buyer and seller from becoming entangled in long negotiations after the buyer has an inspection.

To understand the condition of their home

When a homeowner decides to list their home for sale, typically they have owned the property for a couple of years and know if there are problems, which they may either choose to fix or not fix when they sell the home. These problems are usually disclosed to potential buyers when they are looking at the home, which is not a problem.  However, when the buyer is getting their own inspection, they may find that there are a lot of problems with the home that the homeowner was unaware of. The buyers might back out of the sale, or demand that the seller fix them before the deal goes through.

Ability to do repairs in advance

If the home inspector does find defects during the pre-listing inspection, the seller will need to make the decision of whether to fix them or not. If the seller does decide to fix the defects, they have the freedom of making decisions. Sometimes when a buyer’s inspector finds these defects, they want to have their own contractors fix the problems with the home, but on the seller’s dime. This often results in contractors hired for more money than they should be, with preferences that the buyer wants and that aren’t always necessary.

Less likelihood of negotiations.

Quite often buyers will use the home inspection as a point of asking for additional concessions. They will use the home inspection as a means to renegotiate the sale. That’s because they know that there will probably be one or more issues that will come up warranting reconsideration of the price. Negotiating home inspections is a common hurdle in the real estate process.

Not many people enjoy it and for some if can become extremely stressful. You’ll find this to be especially true if the buyer and seller don’t see eye to eye which isn’t unusual. Quite often buyers ask for inspection repairs they shouldn’t because they don’t get proper counseling from their buyer’s agent. There will be a long list of knit picking.

A pre-listing inspection helps you avoid the typical interactions that follow the buyer’s inspection. You are unlikely to learn anything new about your home from the inspection, and neither is the buyer because you have already had an inspection done. Both you and the buyer have been aware of any issues and all repairs from the beginning of your interaction. Negotiations still may occur, but they will probably be minimal.

Reduce the stress of selling your home.

By getting an inspection before listing, you can help eliminate a lot of stress surrounding the sale. It is normal to worry that your home may have some hidden problems that you are not aware of. With an inspection, you will know if any such problems exist and have the opportunity to address them. You are also able to work on your own schedule with a pre-listing inspection as well. There is not a rush to get it done, because you only have to list when you want to list. With an inspection after the listing, you will have to meet the requirements of the sales agreement. This means making sure all of the issues are taken care of before the closing takes place. The home inspection will be one less reason why your sale could possibly fall through.

Disadvantages of a pre-listing home inspection

Just because your inspector caught something doesn’t mean the buyer’s inspector would have. So, when you do a home pre-inspection, it’s possible you’ll find issues that may have otherwise gone undetected. And once you know about them, you’re usually obligated to fix them — more on that below.

Do you have to disclose a pre-sale home inspection?

Yes, you do have to disclose property condition issues that you are aware of (whether you know of them because of the pre-inspection or for another reason). What you are required to disclose depends on where you live, but in general, you’re required to let a buyer know about any major flaws in your home. Even in states with less-strict disclosure laws, you are still required to disclose an issue if you’re asked directly about it.

Ask your real estate agent for a list of the required disclosures in your state. They are usually related to major systems in the home, structural issues, health concerns or items that would be very expensive to fix.  Here are a few examples of common disclosure questions:

• Are you aware of any lead-based paint in your home?
• Are you aware of any past flooding?
• Are you aware of foundation issues with the home?

Note that anything found during the pre-sale home inspection would be disclosed at the same time as any issues you already knew about in your home. Disclosures are usually shared upon receipt of an offer but can also be made available to interested buyers before they make an offer.

Do sellers disclose repaired items?

Technically, if the issue has been remedied, the seller no longer has to disclose. However, the rules vary state by state, so consult your real estate agent or attorney. Keep in mind, though, that disclosing certain items you’ve repaired can actually be a positive for buyers.

Repairs to point out in marketing

Buyers know that maintenance and repairs are just part of owning a home. So anything that you can point out as recently repaired or upgraded can be very attractive to buyers. Here are a few repairs that buyers love to see:

• New roof: Replacing a roof is a big-ticket item, so if your roof is new, make sure it’s noted front and center in your home’s listing description, e.g., “Roof replaced in 2019!”
• New wiring: If you did work to bring your electrical system up to code, call it out — especially if you’re selling an older home and buyers might be wondering about the electrical anyway.
• New furnace or AC: Every major system in your home has an expected life span, and having to replace a furnace or air-conditioning unit shortly after buying is a worry for buyers. If you’ve recently replaced one or both of these items, it can put buyers at ease.