Preventing Mold in Your Home
Mold spores are everywhere in nature. Mold can grow anywhere in your home.
So how do you prevent it from getting out of control? The key to controlling mold, according to the EPA, is regulating moisture.
Anywhere there is dampness such as along the grout lines of a tile shower or the corner of a basement with poor foundation drainage, mold can take hold.
Mold Poses Health Risks
Exposure to mold can cause unpleasant symptoms: eye irritation, nasal stuffiness and wheezing for example. Mycotoxins from mold growth can cause more severe respiratory problems. Out of control mold problems are nothing to ignore as they pose long-term health risk.
Prevent Mold Before it Starts to Grow
The best way to prevent mold from happening is to make certain your attic has good ventilation, there are no leaks in your roof or windows, and your crawl spaces are dry. Keep your gutters and drains clean and steer water away from the foundation of your house.
To clean common surface mold- you can use ½ cup of bleach to one quart of water with a little mild detergent to kill the mold. DO NOT MIX AMMONIA or ANY DETERGENT CONTAINING AMMONIA WITH BLEACH. The combination can create toxic fumes. It can be hazardous and deadly to mix chemicals. Always wear plastic or rubber gloves, goggles, a long sleeve shirt and long pants when cleaning off common surface mold.
A grout sealer in the bathroom applied after surfaces are thoroughly dry can prevent future moisture penetration. If there is a serious mold infestation, professionals who are bonded and certified should be hired to handle the problem.
Specific Events Covered by Insurance
When a specific event such as a broken pipe, storm, or firefighting effort that introduces water into the home occurs, do not delay in getting the area professionally cleaned by mold remediation specialists as soon as possible. If the repairs for the specific event is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, than the mold remediation connected with this event is covered as well.
The Homeowner is Responsible for Routine Maintenance
Take note that mold that occurs due to the neglect of the homeowner, such as a leaky window that has been letting in water over time, providing a breeding ground for mold, is the responsibility of the homeowner as a part of their regular home maintenance duties.
Ask Questions to Learn What is Covered by Your Policy
If you have any questions as to what is covered by your homeowner’s insurance and what is not, it is important to meet with your agent for a care review. As part of our blue ribbon service, the Crilly Agency is always available to go over current, new or renewing homeowner policies. With colder weather coming, and more time being spent indoors; now is a good time to check your home for possible places dampness may be present. Preventing mold from happening is much easier than cleaning or having it removed once it takes hold.
Understand all your insurance policies and what they cover. Give us a call at 410-571-1771 or email The Crilly Agency today.