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.

Many homes built before 1978 have lead based paints. This topic usually comes up during the home inspection. Lead based paints are not usually a hazard, unless the paint has deteriorated, and is peeling, chipping, or cracking. 
So when is lead a hazard?
Lead can be a hazard to small children when it is present on windows and window sills. Small children are more susceptable to lead because their brains and central nervous systems are more sensitive to lead exposure.
How does lead effect children?
When small children are exposed to high levels of lead, they can suffer from:

• Damage to the brain and central nervous system
• Behavior and learning disabilities
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Headaches

How do you check your home for lead?
I recommend that you hire a certified professional inspector, who will inspect your home and identify whether or not your home contains lead,  and if so, what can be done to minimize exposure.

Temporary Solutions
If you  suspect that your home contains lead, and cannot afford to hire an inspector, you can take the following steps to minimize potential exposure:

• Clean floors, window frames, and sills using a general purpose cleaner mixed with water
• Thoroughly rinse sponges or mop heads after cleaning floors, window frames, and sills
• Wash children’s hands frequently
• Keep children from chewing on window sills or other painted surfaces
• Repaint deteriorated paint surfaces

These steps are all temporary, and I suggest that if your home tests positive for leaded paint, that you consider a more permanent solution, using a certified lead abatement contractor.  They may remove, seal, or enclose the leaded paints, and will know how to do this work safely-without exposing you or your family to lead dust.

Ocasionally, after an inspection, the topic of radon gas will come up.
Here is a brief overview:

Where does Radon come from?
Radon comes from rock and soil containing radium and uranium-which were deposited in WA and OR during the last ice age. 

How can I tell if I have Radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is released into the crawlspace or basement of homes. When inhaled, over time, radon can cause lung cancer. In Clark County,  it is not uncommon for homes to test positive for radon gas. The only way to be sure, is to buy a radon gas test (at most hardware and home improvement stores) and follow the directions on the kit.

What if your home tests positive?
You may want to contact an expert in Radon mitigation. There are many methods to reduce radon gas levels, but one of the more common methods is called ASD (Active Soil Depressurization). Using suction pipes and an inline fan, radon is intercepted and vented outside. Installation of a residential ASD system typically costs $800-$3,000.

Where can you find more info on Radon Gas?
There is a great deal of information about radon at the US Environment Protection Agency.  You can also contact a local Environmental Company, Ecotech to find out how they can help reduce Radon levels in your home.