Mold Prevention: Protecting Your Property and Health

The Problem:

At Lindstrom Restoration, we regularly encounter mold in the homes and buildings we restore. We also receive many concerned—sometimes frantic—calls about it. People have seen alarming news reports of workers in hazmat suits removing mold and have heard horror stories about people getting sick from exposure. While most mold strains are not extremely hazardous, mold prevention remains a top concern for property owners and insurance professionals looking to avoid costly damage and health risks.

The insurance industry jokingly calls mold a “four-letter word” due to the hassle it causes. Homeowners despise it and want it gone.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, molds are a natural part of the environment and thrive anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. They belong to the fungi kingdom and live in damp places such as soil, plants, and decaying matter. When outdoors, molds play an essential role in breaking down dead organic material. However, mold growth should be avoided indoors. While we co-exist with mold, we don’t want it too close—especially inside our homes and workplaces.

There are over 100,000 types of mold, and all require moisture to grow. Excess moisture in buildings, whether from leaks, humidity, or flooding, often leads to mold growth, especially if left unaddressed. Mold thrives on organic materials such as:

• Wood
• Paper
• Carpet
• Food
• Insulation

When mold spores land on damp surfaces, they begin to grow, feeding on the materials they inhabit. Over time, mold will break down and destroy these surfaces.

Health Risks of Mold Exposure

Indoor mold growth can lead to various health issues, including:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Skin rashes
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Asthma
• General sickness

These effects are especially harmful to children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions. However, anyone with a mold sensitivity can experience symptoms. This often confuses homeowners—one family member may react while others seem unaffected.

Some dismiss the issue as psychosomatic when only one or two people in a household show symptoms. However, just as some people have allergies to perfume, pet dander, or pollen, others are more sensitive to mold. While we’re not medical experts, we know that investigating and addressing potential root causes of health symptoms is always a wise approach.

The Importance of Mold Prevention

By focusing on mold prevention and controlling moisture, you can:

• Protect building materials and furnishings
• Save money on costly repairs
• Avoid potential health risks

Mold is also a major roadblock when selling a home or business. Buyers are usually deterred by visible mold or its musty odor, often leading to price reductions for remediation costs.

Another concern is insurance coverage. In our experience at Lindstrom, mold coverage varies widely among policies. Many policies exclude mold if it results from neglect or pre-existing conditions. However, mold remediation is sometimes covered in cases of sudden or accidental damage. Commonly covered incidents include:

• Burst pipes
• Leaking appliances
• Water heater failures
• Air conditioning overflows
• Drain backups
• Sewer line clogs
• Sump pump failures
• Ice dam leaks
• Storm damage (e.g., fallen trees or broken limbs)
• Sprinkler system malfunctions
• Accidental toilet or bathtub overflows

Check with your insurance agent to understand your coverage.

Signs of Mold Growth

1. Visible Mold – Mold may appear as black, green, white, or orange spots on walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces.
2. Musty Odor – A persistent, damp, musty smell often indicates mold presence.
3. Water Damage – Stains, discoloration, or warping on walls and ceilings may signal mold growth behind surfaces.
4. Allergic Reactions – Symptoms like sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and skin irritation can be triggered by mold spores.
5. High Humidity – Indoor humidity levels above 60% create an ideal environment for mold.

Methods of Mold Detection

1. Visual Inspection – Regularly check for discoloration or fuzzy growth in damp areas.
2. Moisture Detection – Professionals like Lindstrom Restoration use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify hidden dampness.
3. Air Quality Tests – Environmental hygienists can conduct air sampling to detect mold spores. DIY test kits are available, but reliability varies.
4. Surface Testing – Swab or tape samples from suspected mold areas can be analyzed in a lab.

Mold Prevention Steps

1. Control Humidity – Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% using dehumidifiers and air conditioning. Avoid overusing humidifiers, and clean them regularly to prevent mold buildup.
2. Improve Ventilation – Use exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Run the bathroom fan for at least 20-30 minutes after showers.
3. Fix Leaks Promptly – Address leaks in pipes, roofs, and windows immediately.
4. Dry Wet Areas Immediately – Clean up spills and dry wet carpets or furniture within 72 hours. Call a professional water restoration company like Lindstrom Restoration for major water damage.
5. Use Mold-Resistant Materials – Opt for mold-resistant paint, drywall, and insulation in high-moisture areas.
6. Maintain Gutters – Keep gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into walls and foundations.
7. Regular Cleaning – Use mold-killing solutions like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean damp surfaces.

Be Proactive: Keep Mold Out of Your Home

No one wants mold in their home or workplace. Regular maintenance, moisture control, mold prevention, and early detection are key to keeping mold at bay.

If you suspect mold, consider hiring professional environmental hygienists for testing and rely on experienced companies like Lindstrom Restoration for remediation. Attempting mold removal without proper training can spread spores, worsening the problem.

Next month, we’ll dive deeper into what to do if you find mold and the professional remediation process. In the meantime, if you suspect a mold issue—or need emergency water or fire damage restoration—call Lindstrom Restoration 24/7/365. Our experienced professionals will assess the situation and provide expert recommendations. In emergencies, we typically arrive at your home or business within minutes.

At Lindstrom, we’re always ready.