Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/164319
SEPTEMBER 2013 HOMES PLUS 5 Mold continued from Page 5 insurance companies paid millions of dollars in claims relating to the toxic mold issues that plagued homeowners all across the country. Kuchenbecker said mildew, although a lot less scarier of a term, does not really exist in a home. "Mildew is the technical term for mold that grows on plants," he said. "Thus, mildew does not grow in bathrooms or kitchens, as is often believed." It is mold that grows on surfaces, such as walls and floors. "Mold eats the surface only; rot eats the 'stuff' itself," Kuchenbecker said. "Rot is mold's bigger cousin." Damp and water-damaged buildings support the growth of mold, bacteria, mites and other microorganisms. A review of current studies suggests that mold may only play a backseat role to bacteria in causing health effects in damp buildings, according to Environmental Initiatives. "About 25 percent of the population suffers from allergies of some sort," Kuchenbecker said. "About 10 percent have mold allergies, and most of these are of a delayed reaction nature, a day after first being exposed. Less than two percent may experience low-grade, bodywide inflammation that results in non- Submitted photos Left photo: This is the roof decking of an attic before mold remediation. Right: This is the roof decking of an attic after mold remediation. specific symptoms such as fatigue, shortterm memory problems, muscle aches and other symptoms." Kuchenbecker said that every home infected by mold can be saved and returned to a normal state. Kevin Nelson, of Nelson Clean Care in Waukesha, said his company addresses about a dozen home repair projects every month. "It ranges from closets and attics to full basements," he said. "Attics are less of a concern for some people, because it's a not a live-in area. It's also one of the areas most often affected. The bathroom exhaust fans that run into the attic will cause condensation, and that will turn to mold." The Environmental Protection Agency has general guidelines on how to treat mold, and because the reaction to mold can vary significantly between any two people, more detailed regulations may never be drafted, Kuchenbecker said. If the affected area is less than 10 square feet, there is little to worry about, Kuchenbecker said. Clean the affected area with a detergent. For affected areas between 10 square feet and 100 square feet, Kuchenbecker recommends talking to a consultant for advice. Finally, for areas that exceed 100 square feet, homeowners should hire someone to correct the problem. In all cases, the source of the moisture must be identified or it will reappear, Nelson said. "On a foundation wall, the appearance of some dark mold is normal," Kuchenbecker said. "There's not much to worry about. It's OK up to about 30 square feet. Scrub it down with soap and water." He recommends not using bleach to clean the affected area. Detergent will kill the microbial debris, but bleach will not. "There is mold all around you," Nelson said. "Walk outside, and you can find varying amounts of it anywhere. But, you should not have any mold inside your house." Offer Expires 10-14-13 233278004 Offer Expires 10-14-13