Mold Infestation and Home Insurance

There have been many viral stories about homeowners who had living nightmares of mold infestation. Although these stories might be taken for granted by some of us, it is a problem that is actually occurring on a large-scale basis.

Aside from property damage, there are other problems associated with mold infestation. One such problem concerns the health of your family. Molds have tiny spores in them which can become airborne. They can enter the human body through our openings like the ears, nose, and mouth and cause subsequent health problems commonly targeting the respiratory system. Because of the problems associated with uncontrolled mold growth, many homeowners are now seeking for home insurance covering mold infestation. But the big problem lies with home insurance coverage policies themselves.

A lot of home insurance companies have become exhausted of the tremendous claims arising from mold infestation. As such, there have been limits while others have excluded mold problems to their clauses. Majority of them are just offering insurance for water-related damages to properties such as those arising from bursting water pipes and flood. While homeowners can get help for these instances, new problems can arise after the water has subsided. Molds start to grow and reproduce rapidly.

With uncontrolled mold growth, house parts and the things inside start to fade their visual appeals. The mold population also contributes to foul odor inside the house while the spores pose threat to the inhabitants. According to medical experts, long-term exposure to molds can actually cause poisoning to humans.

There can be other options if your insurance can't over mold infestation. One option which has become popular for some fractions of home owners is the so-called buy-back endorsement. This is a limited mold insurance coverage in exchange for more money for your premiums. You can also look for companies which have clauses referring to coverage of testing and clean up of the mold population inside the house.

As a homeowner, you should also properly educate yourself about molds, their nature, how they reproduce, and what you can do to prevent a possible mold infestation in your house. There are a lot of preventive measures which can stop the thriving of molds in parts of your house. Here are some of them.

1. Air conditioners and humidifiers should both be used assuring that the humidity level inside your house is maintained between 30 to 50%.
2. There should be properly installed attic and crawl-space ventilation systems.
3. Cold surfaces of the house such as windows, walls, pipes, and roofs should be insulated.
4. Plumbing problems should be solved immediately.
5. Frequently wet areas like the laundry and bath room should not be carpeted. The same principle applies to the kitchen and basement too.
6. Cracks and holes in the basement walls should be patched immediately.

Mold infestation is really a nuisance in attaining comfortable living. When overlooked, it can bring damages not only to your house. It can also render your house unsellable.

Desare Kohn-Laski is a proud and experienced Florida realtor who is knowledgeable and familiar of the East Coast Florida real estate market. Some of the areas of her service include Parkland, Fort Lauderdale, and Hallandale Beach. Stop the chase for your dream house with her professional assistance.