If you have places in your home where moisture is present all the time, you could have mold growing that you are not even aware of. The best way to ensure that your home is mold-free is to have a mold inspection by a certified inspector covering the entire house and the areas under it if you have a crawlspace. 

Mold Growth

Many different kinds of mold can become a problem in a home that has water issues. Water or moisture under the house can cause mold to grow underneath and eventually get into the home through the heat and cooling systems or through cracks around the floors. 

Mold can also show up in the attic if the roof is leaking, so that area also needs to be checked during the inspection. Often if there is mold on the rafters in the attic, you need to also have the roof checked because water is getting in somewhere, and you need to head that off before it becomes a bigger problem. 

Mold inspections should also include areas under sinks, bathtubs and showers, dishwashers, and any place where water could be leaking. The only way to be sure there is no mold in the home is to check every part of it, and an experienced mold inspector will find the mold if it is there. 

Mold Removal

Mold inspections do not fix the problem in your home; they only identify where the mold is and what kind is growing in the house. Mold removal will have to be handled by a mold remediation company or service that can safely remove the material and dispose of it properly. 

There are some legal guidelines that the contractor must follow. For your safety, often, you will need to leave the home during the mold remediation because removing it can stir up spores that are not healthy for you or your family to breathe. Once all the mold is gone and the air in the home is circulated through with fresh air, you will be allowed to return.

Mold Prevention

Once the mold is removed from your home, it is essential to have the home protected against future mold problems. This may mean having the crawlspace encapsulated, the attic vented, and dehumidifiers installed in both spaces.

The areas prone to mold growth can also have a protectant coating applied that will keep mold from growing back. Checking the home regularly and addressing the problem as soon as you notice it is the best way to control mold growth from becoming an issue in the future. Look into mold prevention for more information.

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