As a realtor you know how challenging it is to list a house and then try to find the right buyer for the client. So many things can show up during a home inspection that your client may become discouraged due to past flooding, ice dams, roof leaks, or a pipe that froze. Water intruded throughout some of these areas that now may have suspect mold growth.  Yes ‘MOLD’ that dirty four letter word that can frighten a buyer away!

Mold growth and contamination can cause damage to a house or building if not dealt with properly. There are people who are very sensitive to mold fungi and have allergic reactions, sinus infections, even respiratory problems. People with asthma in general struggle with air quality issues. Did you know that the EPA says, “We spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors”!

Before listing a house it is important to ask questions about past flooding, roof leaks, ice dams, pipes from bathrooms or kitchens bursting etc.  How long did the water leak occur? Was water standing for more than 48 hours or less? The best time to dry out excess water problems is within the 24 to 48 hour period. After a few days is usually when mold growth tends to occur, especially when moisture with high relative humidity, and dew point is in the air.  Do you see dried water stains or stains that are suspect for mold such as in the basement, attic, ceilings, walls, etc.? Repairing the source of the problem of water intrusions, moisture and dampness is important to control mold growth from occurring. After proper repairs then mold remedial cleaning is needed to ensure the mold growth is eliminated.

What about those musty odors? Does the crawlspace or basement have a dirt floor? Has the source of the leak been repaired properly? Is the insulation drooping to the floor of the crawlspace because of excess moisture? Are dehumidifier(s) properly operating when needed? Controlling excess relative humidity is important to help mold growth from spreading. Excess Relative Humidity over 60% R.H. can fuel moisture for mold growth. It is important to install the right size dehumidifiers for the basement or crawlspace. Normal range for relative humidity should be between 35% and 50% for best results. Add a quality grade vapor barrier sheeting to the entire dirt floor areas and part of the side walls. Replace any drooping or excess moist fiberglass insulation; and of course clean and treat the mold where and if necessary.

The good news is that there is a solution to mold growth and contamination. Removal of mold physically such as wallboard, contents, carpets, furniture, wet or damp insulation, etc. Clean and treat affected areas professionally from a trained and certified (current certifications) company to remediate the mold. You may want to have the person selling their house to consider a mold inspection and assessment before they list the house. Home inspectors usually do the structural aspect of the house. (Beware of labs pushing untrained home inspectors to conduct mold inspections and testing!) Hire an independent professional who is trained, certified and an experienced company who does not remediate mold to offer an objective viewpoint for your project.  I emphasize trained and certified because there are no federal state regulations in Massachusetts and other the New England states. Very few states require licensing for mold assessments and removal.

Andy Provitola CMC Environmental Resources Norwell, MA https://airenvironments.com