Mold Odor & Roof Leaks and Mold

Keeping our homes and business in good condition is important.  Most Americans spend a considerable amount of time indoors working, sleeping, eating, playing, and raising our families.  Buildings, including your home, need to be structurally sound and free of issues that can allow water to damage the building and lead to mold growth.

Contact us to perform a thorough investigation for mold if your building has any of the following water related issues, including mold odor:

Mold Odor

A musty, moldy odor could be a sign of a hidden mold problem

Roof Leaks and Mold

Leaks in the roof are one of the leading causes of water intrusion into a structure.  Water leaking through the roof can cause a mold problem.

Improper Grading adjacent the Structure

The grading (slope of the land) around a building should slope away from the structure and allow for proper channeling of the water.  If water is allowed to pool or pond against exterior walls, it will find its way into the walls and into the building and can lead to mold growth.

Dampness and your Foundation, Substructure, and Crawlspace

Most of us don’t inspect our crawlspaces or foundation related items.  Water in the crawlspace or in relation to the substructure of a building can lead to mold problems.  These issues include: improper ventilation, cracks in the foundation, beams in contact with the soil, and rising dampness.

Plumbing Leaks, Damaged Sinks/Showers/Bathtubs

Oftentimes plumbing leaks are obvious, but other times they are hidden from view.  Damaged water fixtures and leaks are some of the largest causes of mold problems in the home.  Plumbing leaks can start small and go undetected until serious damage has occurred.  Kitchens and Bathrooms each contain a number of water  fixutres — bathtubs, sinks, and showers.  The fixtures need to be in good working order, well sealed, and caulked to keep water from pentrating the adjoining areas.

Sprinklers Poorly Aligned

Sprinklers and related irrigation systems that service our lawns and flower beds need to be properly aligned and in good working order.  Misaligned sprinklers can soak the exterior walls and cause excessive water to pool and pond against the walls.  This can lead to water and mold in the walls and in the building.

Trees, Shrubs, and Bushes Contacting Exterior Walls

Tress, shrubs, and other plants must not contact the exterior walls of a building.  This vegetation prevents sunlight and the needed air flow to properly dry the walls.

Buying or Selling a Building?

When involved in a real estate transaction as either a buyer or seller, it’s important to know how mold and moisture can impact the deal, ability to insure the building, value of the property, and the indoor air quality and the health of the occupants.  Consider engaging us to provide you with the information and consulting you need to navigate your real estate deal with respect to mold problems.

Valuable information about mold and moisture on the EPA’s website:

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home