Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Terminology Tuesday - Mold Growth, Assessment and Remediation



(Although this home suffered only minor exterior damage from Hurricane Katrina, small leaks and inadequate air flow permitted this mold infestation). Source: Wikipedia

As defined in Wikipedia:

"Causes and Growing Conditions
Molds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. Molds when they reproduce make spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to grow.

Assessment
The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed the need for sampling for specific species of mold is unnecessary.

Remediation
The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Common remedies for small occurrences of mold include:
-Sunlight
-Ventilation
-Non-porous building materials
-Household cleansers"

Definition Link

When going out to inspect mobile homes, mold is very common in damp areas. The key is to assess the problem - stop the moisture from the affected area(s) and remove and kill the mold. Here is a short video:

(Note: If you're ever unsure about a particular mold issue, it's best to always seek out assistance and get an opinion from a professional mold remediation company).




Video Link

(If you're undecided about going out to do mobile home inspections yourself, check out this post).

Happy Investing!

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