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Press
Releases
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
William Salesky
949-251-0641
bill@sherlockhealthyhomes.com
EIGHT
THINGS EVERY PROPERTY OWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOLD
1.
Mold can cause health problems
Mold can make you, your children, the elderly and even your
pets sick.
The Institute of Medicine recently released a study showing
that mold can cause respiratory illness in otherwise healthy
people.
2.
Mold is caused by water source
Mold can grow under sinks, toilets, dishwashers and in walls,
air conditioning ducts and many other areas of a property
where water may be present from humidity, condensation, a
leak, or in cracked or wicking slab. External water sources
such as poor drainage or improperly place sprinkler systems
often present major sources of water intrusion.
3.
Most mold can be prevented by an immediate response
Many mold problems could have been easily cured had the property
owner taken immediate action. If you see discoloration on
the ceiling from a water leak, you should investigate the
attic, patch the leaking area, remove the damaged material
and replace it to avoid mold growth.
4.
An inspection takes about 1-2 hours
A certified inspector from Sherlock Healthy Homes typically
inspects and tests a property for mold in approximately 1-2
hours. Samples are submitted to an independent laboratory
for analysis. Test results can be provided as quickly as the
same day, on a rush basis. Normally, verbal lab results are
available within 2 business days, with final report is provided
within 4 working days. For large mold infestations, Sherlock
can prepare, at additional expense, a remediation protocol
prepared by a certified industrial hygienist.
5.
Property insurance policies often do not cover mold claims
Although there are exceptions, underwriters are tightening
policies and excluding mold-related claims. The reason: mold
remediation is expensive and costs an average of $35,000.
This
is why a microbiological property inspection by Sherlock Healthy
Homes certified inspectors is important. We will determine
if any mold problems exist. Property inspection for mold is
especially important if you’re planning on buying or
selling your property.
6. Property buyers are responsible for mold inspections
and clean up
A pre-existing mold condition is not covered under insurance
policies.
However, if mold is the result of a flood, some policies may
cover the cost for testing and inspection.
Most
sellers don’t know their property has a mold problem.
Mold testing is not required prior to sale. But savvy property
owners/managers who want to safeguard their investment will
have the property tested by an independent mold inspection
company like Sherlock Healthy Homes. (Property owners are
only responsible if they accept responsibility either through
negotiation after knowledge of the problem before they buy,
or ignorance due to a lack of testing!)
7.
CLUE reports may provide insight into the property’s
water damage history
If you are considering the purchase of a property or condo,
request a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE)
report. The CLUE report summarizes the location, cause and
severity of water damage and other claims filed with the property
owner’s insurance company.
So,
if water damage occurred within the last five years, the seller’s
claim history would be captured in the CLUE report. Remember,
however, that not all water damage problems are reported as
claims. Prospective property buyers must look for other clues
that signal a mold problem.
8.
Mold hides!
Learn to look for swollen wood flooring, buckled tiles, and
toilets that rock and are not properly sealed to the floor,
discoloration of wood beams, water stains on walls or ceilings
… and much more. Keep in mind this one easy to follow
one ultimate truth about mold: Mold grows in areas where water
leaks from pipes, water lines, and other water sources.
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