This post discusses how even newly built homes can develop mold problems. It talks about the reasons behind construction mold growth and ways to deal with the issue.
(This content is contributed by Madeline Liao of Motive, Word & Pen - a youth-run not for profit writing collective that aims to provide innovative marketing material while giving back to charities and mentoring youth.)
While many people think of their brand-new home as a barrier to all household issues, that is often not the case. When a home is being built, it can be subject to mold issues just as any other house would. Why is that the case?
Often times, the basement becomes a hotspot for mold growth in a new home, which can be caused by faulty foundation procedures by the builder. Sometimes, when the foundation is still wet, builders will continue to add the basement studs and vapour barriers. By doing this, they are trapping condensation into the walls and creating an optimal environment for mold growth. Since this is inside the walls, it can be hidden from homeowners until the condition is much worse and needs urgent treatment.
In other cases, homes built during a wet season are more susceptible to mold problems simply because of the added moisture in the environment. Places like Vancouver and other areas in B.C. have a longer wet season because of the rainfall, which means houses can be wet for an extended period of time. This puts new construction at risk, as the wetness invites mold to grow in unexpected spots.
Sometimes, the mold can be spotted right on the surface, but other times the mold is hidden in some unimaginable place around the house. Luckily, there are some hints of mold growth that can occur, which makes it important to look out for things such as peeling paint, discoloured surfaces (mainly on walls and ceilings), and especially take note of any musty smells around the house. Those smells can be a sign of severe mold growth that needs immediate professional treatment.
Of course, nobody wants to get to the point of finding mold in their home, and while it can be difficult to prevent it, there are a few ways to protect the house from mold problems:
By both ensuring that there are proper ventilation systems and heating techniques and by regularly letting excessive moisture in the air out, as these steps can greatly reduce the risk of mold growth. It is also possible to air out spaces by opening windows and using exhaust fans when necessary. It is essential for homeowners to check their basements and crawl spaces routinely to inspect for any mold growth or conditions that could lead to growth in the future.
When buying a brand new home, it can be worth it to invest in an in-depth, professional inspection to make sure there are no problems before committing to the house.
Remember that mold growth is common in homes, even the shiny and new ones. If there ever is an identified issue, contact a mold-removal service as soon as possible to prevent any further consequences. As a natural occurrence, mold growth is difficult for people to control which is why there are professionals trained to deal with the situation.
The ideal safety of a newly built house often puts the owner at a disadvantage when it comes to mold, so it is important to be aware of the possibilities. The mere excitement of moving into a brand-new home does not make the house invincible; be sure to take the same precautions as one would for an old house.
(All Clear Mold & Pathogen Solutions can complete a dry fog service during the construction of buildings so mold spores are rendered unviable and thus protecting the home from potential future mold issues. Our patented process provides assurance to new home owners. Contact us for more details.)