Continued - Preventing Mold Growth is Essential to a Clean and Healthy Environment in the Home for Families
Gary G. Schaal, on the other hand, says that some builders are willing to take risks in order to build a mold-resistant home. As the director of sales and marketing for Paparone Homes of New Jersey, Schaal says that some builders will take extra precautions to prevent even future mold growth in homes including dehumidifying basements to prepare for potential finishing in the future. These same builders will also use materials that are less porous to prevent moisture from entering the basements. Schaal also said that builders who construct townhouses spray bleach onto the sheetrock to prevent any mold growth that may have occurred as a result of exposure to moisture prior to building.
Jim Mellon, the president of Mellon Certified Restorations in Yeadon, says that mold in existing homes can cause major problems and requires thorough cleaning and restorations. Mellon states that under most circumstances porous building materials and furnishings such as sofas and some drywall need to be discarded following moisture and mold. Hard, nonporous furnishings and materials can be kept but thoroughly disinfected and cleaned.
Individuals looking to purchase a home should also be wary of odors in the house. Although mold doesn’t receive as much attention as it did just a few years ago, Buyers should be aware that the threat still exists. Sellers should also be aware of any moisture problems within the home and disclose these concerns to the buyer.
There are a few effective strategies to combat mold in the home:
- Clean and dry any rooms, floors, walls and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to extreme moisture.
- Keep all rooms and appliances properly ventilated to the outside such as bathrooms, dryers, kitchens, and dishwashers. Keep humidity low by using dehumidifiers and air conditioning.
- If mold appears, clean hard surfaces with soap and water and discard upholstered furnishings with mold.
- Improve ventilation and insulation in order to prevent condensation on windows, piping, roof, and floors.
Resource article: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/real_estate/20071021_Breaking_the_mold.html