Mold in House

Mold can be a serious problem in many homes, affecting the property itself and the health of the people who live in it. While mold can start as a minor issue at first, when left unchecked, it can spread quickly and pose both health risks and costly remediation efforts.

This article examines the causes of mold, its health implications, and effective ways to prevent and remove it.

Key Statistics You Should Know About

Let’s start by showing a few mold-related statistics in the United States, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is estimated that up to 47% of residential buildings in the United States have mold infestation. 

Research on public health and the economic impact of dampness and mold found that 21% of the current asthma cases in the United States were attributed to the prevalence of dampness and mold in homes. It was also found that the risk of exposure to mold in public buildings like schools and offices is similar to the risks associated with mold exposure in homes.

The economic impact of mold-related infections in the US is estimated to be around $5.6 billion, while the management of asthma adds another $16.8 billion.

If your home is infested with mold and left untreated, its value is likely to drop by 20-37%. Also, water damage is regarded as the primary cause of most buildings.

These statistics and more show the very significant and dangerous impact it can have on the health and finances of the occupants.

Common Areas You Can Find Mold in Your Home

As long as ideal conditions for survival exist, mold is likely to grow and thrive almost anywhere around the house. However, some areas are more susceptible to growth than others due to the environmental conditions that they offer. These areas include attics, bathrooms, basements, kitchens, leaky roofs, leaky pipes, constantly wet walls, and damp enclosures like a wardrobe with damp walls.

Health Risks Associated With Mold

Mold has a significant impact on the health of individuals living in a home. Common health issues related to mold exposure:

• Respiratory Problems: Mold spores may irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. People with asthma may
• Allergic Reactions: Many people are allergic, which can trigger other symptoms like runny nose, red eyes, sneezing, and skin rashes.
• Asthma and Other Respiratory Illnesses: Mold has been linked to the development of asthma and other respiratory issues.
• Compromised Immune Systems: If anyone in your home has a weakened immune system or is undergoing medical treatments, then they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of mold exposure.

How to Identify Mold in Your Home

Mold is not always easy to spot, especially if you are already used to having it around, as it usually blends well with dark environments.

Here are several signs to look out for when checking for mold infestation in your home:

• Visible Spots: Mold typically appears as dark spots or streaks on walls, floors, and ceilings. If you see any dark spots in areas they shouldn’t be, it might be worth investigating further.
• Musty Odor: Even without being told, it is easy to recognize the distinctive, unpleasant smell given off by mold, often described by many people as musty or earthy.  
• Water Stains: If you notice water stains on your walls or ceilings, this could be a visible sign that moisture is being trapped in these areas, providing the perfect environment for mold to grow.
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Excess moisture can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble and peel, which may indicate a mold problem.

Mold Prevention Tips

Prevention is the key to avoiding many of the hazardous and costly problems caused by mold. Here are some of the best ways to keep it from growing in your home:

• Fix leaks immediately: Ensure you repair any leaking roofs, pipes, or windows as soon as you notice them.
• Control Humidity Levels: Keep the humidity levels in your home below 60%, especially in areas prone to dampness, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
•  Ventilate Damp Areas: Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove moisture from the air.
•  Use a Dehumidifier: In areas with high humidity, a dehumidifier can help keep the air dry and prevent mold growth.
•  Clean and Dry Water-Damaged Areas: If your home has recently experienced flooding or significant water damage, make sure you clean and dry the area within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
• Ensure Proper Drainage: The ground around your house should slope away from its foundation to prevent water from pooling around the base of the house.

When to Call a Professional

While minor mold growth can be handled by a homeowner in most cases,  you should call a professional if:

•  The mold covers an area larger than 10 square feet
• You have a recurring mold problem
• The mold is hard to reach in areas like walls or ceilings
• Your home has experienced significant water damage – This could become a structural issue
• You or a family member is experiencing health issues that may be related to mold exposure

Renovating Your Home After Mold Infestation: Costs and Considerations

Sometimes, dealing with mold goes beyond simply cleaning your home and getting rid of whatever caused moisture to build up in the first place. In severe cases, mold may spread extensively or even cause structural damage, and the only way to fix it is by carrying out a full-scale renovation. This can become quite costly. 

Mold remediation costs can vary significantly depending on the extent of the damage. 

Here is a breakdown of typical renovation-related expenses you might encounter:

Mold Remediation Costs

The first step in carrying out a large-scale renovation on a home that has been extensively damaged by mold is executing a proper mold remediation service. The average cost of a mold remediation service is about $5,000, but it can go as high as $12,500 or more depending on the extent of the mold infestation.

Large infestations may require demolition and rebuilding, which could increase these costs and will require a much larger sum of money to cover. 

Replacing Affected Materials

Mold typically damages walls, insulation, and flooring. Therefore, replacing drywall and other building materials may become necessary. The cost of replacing building materials damaged by mold can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or even more. 

The cost of replacement depends largely on your type of home, the nature of the damage, and the additional cost of repair, materials, and installation. The costs for extensive mold remediation and replacement materials can be as much as $30,000 or more, in severe cases. 

HVAC System Cleaning or Replacement

If mold spores have spread through your HVAC system, professional cleaning or replacement may be needed. The average cost of replacing an HVAC system hovers around $10,000 and can go as high as $15,000. Proper ventilation and humidity control are essential to preventing future mold infestations. 

Waterproofing and Preventative Work

After mold removal, waterproofing is essential for preventing future mold outbreaks. This process can involve anything from sealing leaks and improving drainage systems to installing better ventilation. Depending on the complexity of the project, costs for waterproofing projects can range from $3,000 to $10,000. 

RenoFi: A Financing Option for Major Renovations

Once you have assessed the costs associated with mold remediation and the overall renovation of your home, financing becomes crucial. Thankfully, RenoFi loans are an ideal solution for homeowners facing major renovations.

RenoFi loans are the smartest way to finance any big home renovation project you have in mind. Unlike traditional loans, which are based on your current home value or require you to refinance your primary mortgage and give up your low rate, RenoFi loans are based on the after-renovation value of your home. This allows you to borrow, on average, 11x more, get a low monthly payment, and keep your low rate on your first mortgage.

Conclusion

Mold in your home is more than just another unsightly nuisance that you may want to get rid of for aesthetic reasons—it can pose a serious health hazard and also have serious financial implications that could potentially warrant major renovations. 

By understanding the causes of mold, taking preventive measures, and addressing mold problems as soon as they are discovered, you can protect your home, health, and wallet from the dangers of mold infestation.

After mold remediation, you may want to keep that momentum going and take things a step further by converting your basement or adding more space to your existing home. RenoFi loans are ideal for these large projects. 

Check out RenoFi home loans and find out how much you can borrow to carry out your home renovation needs today.