Clark County WA Real Estate Blog

Mold and mildew are present in our environment, and occur naturally. When the amount of mold in our homes exceeds what is normal, we tend to take notice.

If your inspector finds mold, you don’t have to panic.
Mold needs moisture to grow, and if you’ve discovered a mold problem, the first step is to find the moisture source. The key is removing the source of moisture, repairing the damage, and then drying out repaired areas quickly.  If the mold is restricted to less that 10 square feet in area, removal and repairs can usually be done without consulting professional mold remediation experts. In most cases, it can be repaired by the seller, before closing, using the following procedures:

Removing Mold
For starters, when working in an area that contains mold, make sure to wear at least an N95 dust mask.

Experts recommend removing mold from small area (less than 10 sq ft) using soapy water and a sponge, with slow wiping motions. Avoid using spray bottles or aerosol cans as these can actually disperse mold spores and create cross contamination. Don’t try to kill mold, instead remove building materials which are contaminated with mold. For example, mold feeds on the paper surface of wall board. Remove the wall board and replace with mold resistant wall board.
If mold spores have gotten into wood or OSB, consider hiring a professional mold remediation expert to remove mold, ventillate the area, and seal up wood surfaces.

Preventing Mold after you move in
What can you do…

• Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace missing shingles or tiles. Check flashing installed between surfaces, including chimneys, vent stacks or dormers; they are often the most common sites for leaks.
• In colder climates, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and ventilation. This can prevent the formation of ice dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
• In any climate, attic ventilation is a must. This allows for warmer air to escape and better circulation.
• Inspect plumbed rooms, such as the kitchen, laundry room and bath for leaks or signs of leakage in water supply and waste lines.
• Make sure that shower walls and floor are structurally sound, and grout and joints are well sealed and in good condition.
• Inspect toilet water supply lines for leakage, as well as base of seat for gaps and leaks.
• Inspect central air-conditioning systems annually for proper operation, drainage and to ensure there is no microbial growth in the air-handler, pan or ductwork.
• Inspect crawl spaces to ensure adequate insulation, ventilation and drainage.

For more information on mold, I recommend Paul Davis Restoration.

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