Portland
Oregon Real Estate - Live Green...Live Well!
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Patrick
Smith, MBA, AHWD
Eco Broker Certified
503-421-3824
Licensed in the State of Oregon
CONTACT PATRICK
4001
NE Halsey Street, Suite 100, Portland, Oregon,
97232
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Portland Real Estate Green Tip: Mold Mitigation Outdoors, molds do good work; indoors, molds can be a serious concern as they can damage your home and furnishings and have the potential to cause health problems. However, molds are easy to control with frequent cleanup and moisture control.
There has become a greater focus on mold and mold-related issues, especially in the Pacific Northwest, over the past several years; and, with good cause. Mold can be very damaging to your Portland real estate investment by causing structural damage as well as be very damaging to ones health as molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
No Portland property (home or structure), unless it is under experimental conditions (such as a laboratory), is free of mold. Molds are part of our natural environment: Outdoors, mold breaks down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and trees; indoors, mold growth should be avoided. The key to mold control is moisture control. Mold needs three things in order to grow: moisture, temperature, and food. The substrate (or surface) usually provides sufficient food. The temperature is what it is. Moisture is the key and moisture management is the key to mold management. It is not possible to eliminate molds and mold spores indoors; some mold spores float in the air and are found in dust. However, molds do not grow if moisture is not present. If mold is found, the mold must be cleaned up and the moisture problem fixed.
Increased ventilation and frequent cleaning helps to prevent mold from growing in areas where completely eliminating moisture is difficult, such as bathrooms. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours, in most cases mold will not grow.
Tips for Protecting Your Portland Real Estate from Mold Invasion:
1. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely.
3. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy as mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely from these types of materials.
4. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. Wear long gloves and goggles that do not have ventilation holes when cleaning up mold.
5. Do not caulk or paint over moldy surfaces as this simply hides the problem and does not eliminate it.
6. For large affected areas, call in a professional mold mitigator.
When searching for a mold mitigator it is important to identify a qualified professional: Be sure they are licensed or certified; ask for references; check individuals or companies with the local Better Business Bureau, and; ensure the professional has the proper insurance coverage for the task at hand.
For more information on mold related issues including mold cleanup and moisture control, condensation and humidity issues visit the EPA website.
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