If you’re like most people, you’ve heard or read stories about “toxic mold” in people’s homes, usually caused by excessively moist environments and plumbing leaks. While mold spores can definitely be toxic to your health, the bigger issues are usually the property damage that mold causes.
Learn more about mold from the CDC here.
One of the biggest issues about mold growth in a person’s home is property damage. While mold is usually caught before anyone’s health is put at risk, unfortunately, that is not always the case for their wallet.
In general, homeowners’ insurance policies will not cover property damage caused by mold growth. If a homeowner tries to submit such a claim, it will usually be denied.
Mold inside people’s homes usually comes in one of the four categories:
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
So, what do you do if a leaky pipe or showerhead leads to mold, fungus or bacteria growth in your home? Healthwise, most people are not affected by mold growth in their home. But, for those who are asthmatic, or sensitive to mold, they can develop symptoms that irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Additionally, the World Health Organization found that exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems in children who are otherwise healthy. If an individual has a chronic lung disease, such as COPD or lung cancer, then exposure to mold puts them at serious risk.
Generally, children and senior citizens should avoid exposure to mold growth, as they are at the greatest risk of developing serious side effects.
Mold Damage to Your Home
Do you have a wall that is covered in mold growth? Is there mold underneath your bathroom cabinet? Mold damage is usually not covered by insurance and if it’s advanced enough, it can harm the value of your home.
Since a severe case of mold infestation can make it impossible to ensure a home, rendering it virtually unsellable, you’re better off eradicating it as soon as it’s found. Better yet, prevent mold growth by keeping a close eye on your home’s plumbing system.
Generally, mold growth is caused by one of two factors: a leak in the plumbing system, or poor ventilation, or a combination of both.
Unfortunately, many homeowners’ insurance policies will not cover water damage or mold growth caused by a plumbing leak. Many policies also won’t cover mold that was the result of flood damage.
As a homeowner, be sure you learn how to recognize the sources of mold and what it costs to ignore the problem. If you do this, you’ll be on your way to mastering these types of situations. Once you understand the health and financial costs of a mold infestation, you can take steps to control it.
Do you have a plumbing situation that’s causing mold growth? Contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Services Inc. to schedule a service call!
