Existing mold is not just prevalent in buildings that are resold. Many new or relatively new buildings already have some existing mold to contend with, so it is always a question to ask. It is also good to ask other questions that will have some bearing on present or future mold problems.

Questions About Construction

There are many variations in construction techniques from builder to builder and even between one location of the country and another. This is not to say that a certain practice is wrong, just that some are more conducive to keeping mold out. If there is no existing mold to contend with, there might be a better than average possibility that it will occur because of conditions in a building.

Asking about mold-resistant drywall in the areas of a building where water is present will give some indication of whether a structure was built to withstand future mold outbreaks. It is not a new product, but it does cost a little more so many builders don’t use it.

One primary question you should ask concerns the HVAC installation. The use of fiberglass is widely practiced for insulating duct work, and it has been acceptable by building code for a very long time. The problem with fiberglass is that it offers a good place for mold to start. If existing mold is not a problem in the duct work when you buy a building, with fiberglass, it is almost assured that mold will form within 10 years after construction is completed.

Closed cell foam insulation is a much better insulator, although more expensive. It not only stays cleaner and insulates better, it is very resistant to mold. Many of the building contractors in Summit, Grand and Routt Counties in Colorado use CCF insulation for those reasons.

Before buying a building that is not new, always ask if it has ever been flooded. Existing mold, whether obvious or not, is often prevalent if water has remained in a building for twenty-four hours or longer. Questioning any known leaks, whether current or in the past, will be a good indication if there is any existing mold in a building. Leaks from rain, seepage, or plumbing all may render the same result.

Visual Inspection for Existing Mold

Even though sellers are obligated to tell you anything about a property, they don’t usually offer information when you don’t ask all the questions you should. Omission is a difficult fact to prove after a sale is made. You should always make a visual inspection of a property you consider buying anyway, and doing so with the intent of finding telltale signs of existing mold or the conditions for future mold is just another part of that exercise.

Specific things to notice are around the foundations to see that water does not stand or run under the building. If a basement is part of the building, not only do you need to look, you need to smell for odors that come with mold. Looking at all the ceilings will give an indication if a past leak may have led to the start of mold.

If you have questions about mold on a property before or after your purchase in the counties of Routt, Grand, and Summit, give Dry Pro a call for assistance. We service the tri-county area and the city of Denver, taking water removal and mold remediation very seriously. When you need help with mold in Colorado, Dry Pro is who to call.

1. Water Valve – make sure everyone in the household knows where the main valve is located and how to turn the water off.

2. Before you travel – turn off water at the main valve or at major appliances. Alway have a neighbor check the inside and outside of your home for leaks while you are away.

3. Insulate pipes – minimize the potential for water damage from frozen, broken pipes by insulating supply lines in the attic, crawlspaces and exterior walls. Sealing gaps in exterior walls and maintaining adequate heat in your home.

4. Sump Pump – The sump pump is the first line of defense in preventing water seepage – damage in basements. Periodically check the sump and remove any debris that could clog up the pump. Consider installing a battery powered backup to protect your basement during power outages.

Dry Pro specializes in Water Damage – Water Removal in Summit, Grand and Routt Counties in Colorado.
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