A strong offense is your best defense for keeping your home mold-free. To prevent Mold, eliminate moisture from your home and look for signs of possible growth, such as musty smells or watermarks on walls and ceilings.

Caught early, Mold can usually be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. To prevent Mold from re-growing, however, the source of the moisture must be eliminated and the affected area properly dried, cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced. Also, remember to bag and dispose of any material with moldy residues, such as rags, paper, or debris.

Like rot and insect infestation, Mold is generally not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. Standard homeowners policies provide coverage for sudden and accidental disasters, and they are not designed to cover the cost of cleaning and maintaining a home. If Mold is the direct result of a covered peril such as a burst pipe, there could be coverage for the cost of eliminating the Mold.

To help prevent mold growth in your home, take a look at our suggestions below. If you would like to find out how your homeowner’s insurance will respond in the event of a mold-related claim, please get in touch with our office.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mold is everywhere. It grows year-round and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors Mold is commonly found in shady, damp areas and soil. Indoors, it can be found where humidity and moisture levels are high, such as in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and on ceilings and wall interiors where water from leaky pipes, roofs, or windows can accumulate. While most molds pose no threat to humans, the CDC warns that certain molds can produce hay fever-like allergic symptoms. If you or your children have symptoms associated with Mold, see a physician. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure are common to other illnesses.

Reduce Humidity In Your Home

  • Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent to 60 percent by using air conditioners or dehumidifiers.
  • Put exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Don’t install carpets in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.
  • Don’t let water accumulate under house plants.

Use Mold-Reducing Products

  • Clean bathrooms with bleach and other mold-killing products.
  • Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.

Keep Your Home and Belongings Dry

  • Inspect hoses, pipes, and fittings – Consider replacing hoses with significant appliances like washers and dishwashers every five years. A typical water hose costs $5-$10
    • Refrigerator ice maker and water dispenser
    • Water heater
    • Washer
    • Dishwashers
    • Kitchen and bathroom sinks
    • Bathroom toilets
  • Keep gutters clean of leaves and other debris.
  • Maintain your roof to prevent water from seeping into your home.

Be Careful After A Flood Or Other Water Damage

  • Properly dry or remove soaked carpets, padding, and upholstery within 24-48 hours after a flood to prevent mold growth. Anything that can’t be adequately dried should be discarded.
  • Remove standing water as quickly as possible. Standing water is a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and inhaled.
  • Wash and disinfect all areas that have been flooded. This includes walls, floors, closets, shelves, and heating and air-conditioning systems.

Contact our office if you have any questions regarding mold and homeowners insurance. We can provide information on how to maintain your home and may also be able to give the name of an expert in mold remediation. You can get more details on Mold by accessing the Center for Disease Control.