Mold Odor & Roof Leaks and Mold

The majority of Americans spend the bulk of their time in indoor environments — working, playing, sleeping, eating, and enjoying time with our families.  All indoor structures must be well built and in good condition to prevent water intrusion that can lead to mold growth.

Contact us today to perform a thorough mold and moisture investigation of your home or office or rental property if it has any of the following water related issues, including mold odor:

Mold Odor

A moldy, damp, musty odor could be a sign of an indoor mold problem.

Roof Leaks and Mold

Roof leaks are one of the top 10 leading causes of water intrusion (and subsequent mold) into a building.  Water that leaks through a roof can impact many indoor areas of a building, both visible and hidden, and lead to an indoor mold problem.

Improper Grading Adjacent the Structure

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

Water intrusion — Foundation, Crawlspace, and Substructures

When is the last time you really inspected the crawlspace or foundation of your building?  Maybe never…  Moisture and water in the crawlspace or in relation to the substructure and foundation of a building can lead to mold problems.  Among these issues are: cracks in the foundation, improper ventilation of the crawlspace, support beams in contact with the soil, and rising dampness from the soil.

Plumbing Problems and Leaks, Defective Sinks, Bathtubs, and Showers

Plumbing leaks are not always obvious.  Oftentimes they are hidden and difficult to detect.  Defective water fixtures and related leaks are among the leading causes of mold problems in a home or other structure.  Many plumbing leaks are small and can remain undetected until significant damage has occurred.  Bathrooms and Kitchens both contain a variety of water fixtures — sinks, showers, and bathtubs.  These water fixtures must be in good condition, well caulked, well constructed, and well sealed to prevent water from impacting the surrounding building materials and causing mold growth.

Poorly Aligned Exterior Sprinklers

Irrigation systems and lawn and garden sprinklers must be in good condition and properly aligned.  Poorly aligned sprinklers that are directed towards exterior walls can cause water to penetrate the wall systems.  Water in exterior walls can impact interior walls and lead to both visible and hidden mold problems.

Trees, Bushes, Plants, and Shrubs Contacting Exterior Walls

Outdoor vegetation should not come into contact with the exterior walls or roof of a building.  These plants and trees will block sunlight and the necessary air flow to properly dry the walls.  They can also excrete damaging enzymes and can directly impact the walls and roof.

Buying or Selling a Home or other Building?

If you are engaged in a real estate transaction, as either a seller or buyer, it is important to understand how mold and moisture problems could impact the deal — value, ability to insure, and quality of the indoor air.  We are experts in mold investigations and how they fit into real estate transactions.

Good information about mold and moisture from the EPA’s website:

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home