Protect Your Home: Water Intrusion and Mold Growth
Recent studies have shown that various forms of water intrusion affect many homes. Water intrusion may occur from outside and/or inside the property. Things such as plumbing leaks, roof leaks, improper grading, inadequate venting of kitchen and bath humidity and other causes may result in mold grwoth, mildew and other fungi.
Mold is present everywhere in our environment. Many molds are beneficial to humans. However, some molds may cause health problems for people immunocompromised or who have asthma or allergies to mold.
If you have concerns about mold growth due to water issues, you may want to consider having the property inspected before entering into a contract to purchase, or make the inspection a condition of your purchase. Such an analysis is particularly advisable if you observe staining or musty odors on the property. For additional information go to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mold Resource Center.