With the combination of heavy winter rains, ocean mist, and wooden homes, Santa Cruz homeowners and buyers needs to be especially cautious about mold. Mold can not only cause health problems, but if left untreated, can weaken your walls, ceiling, or floor. Whether it’s a musty smell, seeing mold outright, or a chronic, inexplicable cough, its important to be proactive in checking and treating mold problems.
Not all mold is the same. Some types of mold may lead to serious health issues, while others are relatively harmless if treated in a timely manner. This site provides a comprehensive list of the various types of mold that are often found in and around houses.
It is common to order a mold inspection when you see mold outright, but a more proactive approach may save you time, money, and most importantly, will ensure you and your loved one’s health. A musty smell, chronic dampness, or the occurrence of common mold-allergy symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, or watery eyes all suggest that you should consider getting a mold test done.
Mold inspections of an average single-family home typically range from $300 – $800 in Santa Cruz, with the cost of the test typically depending on square footage. There are a number of mold-testing companies in the area and some are more expensive than others. This is why we highly recommend getting multiple estimates to ensure you are not overpaying. Once you understanding the type of mold you are dealing with, and how much, repair costs can vary.
To avoid getting mold problems in the first place, preemptive measures may go a long way in terms of keeping the mold out.
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Be on the lookout for, and take care of leaks. Leaks are your greatest enemy when it comes to mold-prevention. Even the smallest drip can cause a big mold problem if left untreated.
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Caulk. Providing a protective seal near water fixtures such as your kitchen and bathroom sink, bathtubs, and shower will ensure that water does not end up seeping into moisture-absorbing surfaces. Caulking around your windows will protect your home from leaks after rain-storms.
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Clean out your gutters. This will both prevent flooding and reduce the chance of water leaking from the gutters into the eaves and exterior walls.
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Check for areas in your home where there could be high humidity or water damage, such as a damp basement or crawl space.
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Use your nose. If you start to smell mold, consider getting a mold test done.
This article has additional tips for mold-prevention.