Homeowners beware of California Proposition 19

With the possibility of 2010 Proposition 19 passage here in California we have serious concerns about increased mold growth in the Sacramento area.  Some marijuana grow operations have been reported to have high levels of mold growth in and around the operations. A couple types of mold to be worried about and would be common to find in this situation are Stachybotrys and three different types of Aspergillus -flavus, fumigitus, and niger – all capable of mycotoxin synthesis (toxic poison that attacks the human immune system).

Many of the Sacramento mold calls we receive are from people with health concerns.  Identifying and fixing any water source causing the issue is the first step in resolving potential mold or health problems found in a home. In this case, by passing such an irresponsible California law like Proposition 19 the state will be encouraging tens of thousands of state homeowners and renters to turn their homes into unhealthy mold factories by allowing them to grow marijuana in their homes. We feel this could create an unintended consequence with a potential for a much larger negative costly health issue for the state of California.

If the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 passes a lot of  Californians will be at risk of possible black mold contamination and Aspergillus exposure.

Schedule Sacramento Mold Inspector Testing Today. Call Now! 877-424-8289

Sacramento Mold Inspector Reveals

“How to Avoid a Mold Invasion!”

Mold, it’s not just in your bread and cheese.
In fact, it could be invading your entire Sacramento home–and with serious consequences.
You see, mold can cause all kinds of problems for you and your family, from serious illness to
property damage. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts that mold is found in up to 50% of all
structures…so for your health and safety, it’s important for you to be sure you’re not a victim.
If you’ve discovered a suspicious black or grey patch somewhere in your home,
can’t seem to shake a lingering cold or allergies, or are considering selling your house–
EVEN IF you have no reason to suspect you’ve got a mold problem–then you need to call a Sacramento mold inspector.

Sacramento Mold Inspector

My name is James Budrow. I’m a certified home inspector and IASQ Certified Sacramento mold inspector. I’ve seen the damage mold can cause to homes, health, and property values.
In “How to Avoid a Mold Invasion,” I’ll walk you through the biggest dangers mold poses to your
health and property…help you determine whether your home is at risk…and show you EXACTLY how to get a reliable mold test by a Sacramento mold inspector that will give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Do NOT make the mistake of ignoring mold before it’s too late. Act fast and save yourself
heartache and hassle.

Sacramento mold inspection, call 877.424.8289 NOW and mention this report!

Sacramento Mold Inspector will show you how.

DANGER #1: A Serious Health Hazard
What’s so dangerous about mold?
More important than anything else, mold poses a serious health hazard.
According to the Center for Disease Control, mold can cause a variety of health problems,
including nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. It
can induce asthma attacks. In some severe cases, it can even bring on serious lung infections.
Doctors agree that about one in three people will have some kind of an allergic reaction to
mold.
If for no other reason than to preserve your family’s well-being, it’s important for you to make
sure mold isn’t a problem in your home by calling a Sacramento mold inspector.

DANGER #2: Plummeting Property Values

Besides the obvious health effects, mold can have a serious impact on your home’s property
value.
According to Dan Sitomer, an attorney who specializes in mold litigation: “For the moment in
time that your building is viewed as a problem, its value goes to ZERO. ”
Ontario Realtor Chris Newell said he recently lost a sale because of indoor mold. “The mold
was so severe that the repairs would have meant removing the flat roof and putting in a sloped roof, at
a cost estimated over $45,000. That’s why my buyer walked.”
And real estate expert Jack Schoppa says that a known history of mold can hinder a buyers’
ability to get funding.

The bottom line?
If you’re worried about mold in your home, the sooner you act, the better–especially if you
think you’ll want to sell your home in the next 1-5 years you need to call a Sacramento mold inspector.

Sacramento mold inspection, call 877.424.8289 NOW and mention this report!

DANGER #3: Property Damage

In addition to plummeting property values, an unchecked mold problem can lead to thousands
of dollars in repairs if you’re not careful.
In many cases, you can remove the mold yourself. If the problem is more widespread, you can have experts remove mold for as little as $500 to $5000.
But you have to make sure you ACT FAST by contacting a Sacramento mold inspector. Because mold is more than a minor annoyance you
can ignore indefinitely; it grows. And as it grows, it actually eats through materials, causing structural
damage to your home.
In these cases, repairs can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars.

DANGER #4: Lawsuits

This section is especially important for people who are considering selling their home in the
near future.
That’s because mold-related lawsuits have skyrocketed over the past decade…morphing into a
mess only a lawyer could love.
Insurance companies are running scared, flat-out refusing to cover the costs, leaving ordinary
homeowners exposed to unnecessary risk.
And if you sell or rent a property to someone where mold is later discovered, you could land
yourself in court.
If you lose, you could find yourself paying for…

• Inspections

• Repairs

• Replacing ruined household items

• Finding other housing during repairs

• Medical expenses

• Future medical expenses

• Emotional distress

Sacramento mold inspection, call 877.424.8289 NOW and mention this report!

Don’t put yourself through that kind of hassle! Make sure your home is mold-free BEFORE you
sell or rent it by calling a Sacramento mold inspector!

Warning Signs

Worried that your home might be at risk for mold?
Here are some things to look out for…

1. Humidity and Moisture. Mold thrives in moist environments. So if your indoor humidity is
more than 40%-60%, you could be at risk.
2. Mess. Think just because no one sees that crawl space, it doesn’t matter what it looks like?
Think again. If you’ve got a mess in those low-traffic areas of your home, like your crawl
space, basement, garage, or attic, you’re increasing your likelihood of a mold attack.
3. Flooding. If you recently experienced a flood on your property–even a minor one–have the
area checked for mold.
4. Leaks and drips. If you’ve got a leaky roof or dripping pipes, you need to fix it fast…and then
get your home tested. Leaks and drips are among the leading causes of mold.
5. No fan in the bathroom. If your bathroom fan isn’t functional–or if you don’t have one–
make sure to get one up and running, and scour the area for mold.
6. Musty, damp smell. Often times, mold is hidden away in hard-to-reach areas, so you never
see it. But mold smells musty and damp. So call a professional as soon as you notice
something smells a little “off.”
I’m Concerned I Might Have Mold.
What’s My Next Move?
If you’re at increased risk based on the warning signs listed above–or even if you’re looking to
sell your home in the near future, warning signs or no–I recommend a Sacramento mold inspection.
A good Sacramento mold inspector will test the air and examine every nook and cranny to let you know EXACTLY
what you’re dealing with.

Caring for Your Roof

Protect the Roof that Protects You

As the first line of defense against the elements of potential mold problems, a roof is one of the most important components of a house.  It is critical to properly maintain your roof to protect your family and your home.

Because a new roof installation can be one of the most expensive projects a homeowner will face, do what you can to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. Keep trees pruned to a safe distance from the roof.   Branches that are too close to or that rest on a roof can scratch or gouge the materials.  Falling leaves can clog gutters and downspouts.  Clean your roof periodically according to recommendations for the specific material.  Carefully follow the recommendations – adequate cleaning can lengthen the life of your roof, however, excessive washing can actually put unnecessary wear on the material.

Time and weather can cause flashings to loosen, gaps to form, and insulating materials to deteriorate.  Have your roof inspected on an annual basis to identify problems in a timely manner.  Regularly making repairs can keep a small fix from ballooning into one that costs thousands of dollars.  Check for any signs of discoloration that would indicate a problem with mold, algae or fungus.  Missing or torn shingles make the interior vulnerable to rot and water damage and should be replaced promptly.

If you do need a new roof, choose a contractor carefully.  Replacing a roof is one of the few projects that homeowners generally should not tackle themselves – it’s a job best left to the pros.  The ease with which experienced roofers transverse a roof is similar to the way that sailors have their “sea legs.”  Working on a roof can be dangerous for those who have little experience on those surfaces and with those materials.  Skilled roofers can carefully maneuver around up there while carrying supplies and dealing with changing elements such as sun and wind.  Talk to several contractors and research their credentials.  Review contracts closely and make sure that you understand the warranty.  Most contractors will cover materials and workmanship for at least five years.  The roofing should be covered for 20-40 years depending on the material.  Discuss permit requirements (most contractors will secure permits) and make sure that the work is approved prior to submitting an insurance claim.

If the cost is an issue once you see the estimate, talk to the contractor about the possibility of removing the old material yourself for a discount on the installation.  Tearing off a roof does not require any finesse and can be done fairly quickly.  Take the proper safety precautions and have a second person close by in case you need any assistance.

Most asphalt roof systems are designed to stand up for about 20 years.  Slate, wood, tile, and certain metal systems can last longer if well maintained.  With appropriate care you can get the most life out of your roof and even be prepared when you do need to do a complete overhaul.

Potential Mold Problems

If you live in an area with high humidity, then you should always be on the lookout for potential mold problems. The naturally occurring outdoor humidity affects indoor humidity levels, creating a perfect environment for potential mold problems.

As the number of vacant bank-owned properties  keep rising by the recent down turn in real estate, which has led to a growing number of vacant or abandoned homes owned by the mortgage holders that have serious mold problems!  The biggest problems with these houses, is that the banks do not think about what will happen when the electric is off and the humidity rises as it often does in in vacant homes, or the ventilation in the house is almost non existent, and thats when Mold finds a nice comfortable place to breed.

Homes are becoming infested with serious potential mold problems every where in the country.  Water leaking, flooding, or sewage backup in vacant properties are a serious problem that are unknown until inspected.  With no one in the house to notice or correct the problem, the health of the house is in jeopardy. Just the fact of poor ventilation, sometimes having the windows and doors boarded up, is a prime conditions for mold growth. Even worse is if the person who is loosing their home may have mold and not know it or does know but now doesn’t care.  The Realtor or home inspector will not usually test for Mold in a foreclosed property.

The problem is even the suspicion of a home with mold can scare away potential buyers!  Many people are not familiar with Mold and the dangers that come with this infestation and toxic danger.  They may have seen some news articles or television news that mention toxic or Black mold, and that is about all they have knowledge it.  However they potential buyer, that is all that they will need to hear to not want to buy a home with possible mold festering inside.

If by chance the house is sold and there is hidden mold inside, the price may be right at the time of the buy, but can cost thousands of dollars to remediate and remove the mold and what structural damage it may have caused.  Making the “sweet deal of a home”  into a “money pit”.  Or if mold is discovered, it then can drive the price of the home down because of the expensive of ridding the house of this menace.  Black and other toxic molds are dangerous.

Lawsuits brought by the buyers after they discover mold was not disclosed at the time of closing will take time and money to come to settlement and “due dilligence” would be the proper way to go.

Much like a home inspector that you would hire to inspect the property you buy, taking the time to have the house tested for Mold is money well spent.  This is something that can even be written into the offer. Simply ask ask that the seller pay for Sacramento mold testing before the close of escrow.  Many home buyers spend the money on Sacramento home inspectors t0 find possible problems with the home’s structural integrity.

These are a few good reasons why it is important to hire a Sacramento mold inspector evaluate whether there are potential mold problems and what the scope of the problems may be.  At SacramentoMoldInspector.com we have the ability to help you find that independent inspector.  We are also able to help with any questions that you may have concerning potential mold problems.

Take control of your family’s health and be proactive during your next Sacramento home purchase.  By contacting our Sacramento mold inspectors to test your home for signs of potential mold problems before your home purchase you’ll be protecting your family against unseen health issues that can last a life time.

Fighting Germs in the Home

Testing Indoor Air and Surface Quality

Anyone who is or has been the parent of a school-aged child will be familiar with the frustrating scenario – the kids were fairly healthy over the summer months or the holiday break, and then a few days back in school brings on the runny noses and nagging cough.  A schoolroom full of children will pass around germs at lightening speed. Containers of hand sanitizer have cropped up in schools and other public places so that we can clean our hands on the spot. Most people are careful to wipe down things that they are going to touch in public places in an effort to ward off germs.  But current research shows that our homes might be germier than we think, causing over 50 percent of food-borne illnesses and over 65 percent of colds.  Even with the most rigorous cleaning efforts, it turns out that some of the dirtiest air we breathe is in our own homes!

Areas inside the house that hold the highest levels of bacteria per square inch range from the expected, like the toilet bowl, to the more surprising, such as the kitchen faucet handle.  Some of the contamination can be mitigated with more stringent disinfecting routines.  Most homeowners regularly sterilize the toilet bowl, but how many do the same to the cutting board, which is a rich breeding ground for bacteria- and virus-producing germs?  However, even the most energetic house cleaning generally cannot address all levels of infecting agents in the home. Our homes now contain many of the irritants that we have worked so hard to reduce in the outdoor environment, from the chemical cleaners we use to the clothes in the closet laced with dry-cleaning compounds. Many houses have hidden problems, such as water leaks that are promoting mold growth.  With all of our modern knowledge about the impact of environmental pollution, we know that airborne toxins can affect physical health in many ways such as inducing asthma symptoms and exacerbating allergies.  Today’s homeowners need to take new and cutting-edge approaches to managing the household environment to keep the home cleaner and the family healthier.

One of the most beneficial tools available to homeowners now is the indoor air and surface quality evaluation. Some home and building inspectors have fulfilled educational and testing requirements in the area of indoor air quality, focusing on issues including mold, lead, radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, and pesticides.  These professionals will come into the home, take air and surface samples to be tested, and produce a detailed report on the contaminants found.  They can also discuss the available solutions and help customize a plan for your situation.  By combining a professional evaluation with your own cleaning efforts you can achieve a comprehensive plan to make your home the healthiest place it can be.

Dealing with Mold

Here’s a story we thought you might like about dealing with mold.

It may have happened to someone you know or even in your own home.  Water damage or some other work required you to open up the wall, the floor, the ceiling – and there it was…mold.  The thought of having a mold problem can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner.  Mold is formed by microscopic spores and attaches to moist surfaces.  In nature mold has the important function to help decompose substances such as leaves and plant debris.  But when that mold has settled into your drywall, carpet, or other house material it becomes a significant problem.

Any issue that creates humid or wet conditions, including leaks or poor ventilation, will increase the chances of mold breeding in the area.  There are telltale signs of a mold problem. Stale, musty odors, especially in the bathroom, laundry room, basement, and attic, are strong indicators that mold is growing. You may also see small black or white specks along damp areas.  However, mold may be hidden behind walls or tiles, and even dry mold can still cause problems. This means that if you fixed a leak that caused mold and then cleaned up the mold, colonies of spores may be dormant but not entirely dead.  Just as grass and plants are rejuvenated after a cold winter by the sun and rain of spring, dormant mold can begin to spread anew if conditions become optimal again from additional leakage or humidity.  Untreated mold will continue to grow and damage the house, calling for an invasive and expensive repair effort.

Having mold colonize your home is an issue, but many people are equally concerned about the health risks to the family exposed to mold.  People that have allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions may be especially sensitive to mold. Those with more serious health issues may be at increased risk for infection.  Symptoms of mild exposure may include runny noses, congestion, or cough. A small number of molds, such as “black mold,” will produce very harmful toxins that can induce more persistent affects such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Because mold is a double threat, to both the house structure and the family health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Deal with leaks promptly and dry out affected building components and furniture.  Keep areas of high humidity, such as the laundry room, ventilated properly.  If you do suspect that you have a mold problem, act quickly.  Clean up the mold you can see – specially formulated solutions are available to deal with mold and mildew.  However, you may find that symptoms persist even after the cleaning.  At that point it’s time to call in a service professional who is skilled in mold removal.  A thorough removal will contain the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas, kill and remove the mold, and protect the cleaned out area against future infestations.  With proper vigilance in preventing mold growth and prompt attention when a problem arises you can avert a potential disaster.

Indoor Air Issues

Here is another article about indoor air issues that all home owners should be aware of. We hope you enjoy reading article and as always, please contact us if you have suggestions for future subjects.

For many people, the home is a sanctuary.  However, the air there may not be as clean as we think.  Several aspects of modern living can actually spoil the air in the home.  And because houses are being built and remodeled in ways that tightly seal the shell, drastically reducing air movement between the indoors and outdoors, pollutants in the house will largely remain there. The better informed you are about any air issues affecting the family home and health, the better equipped you will be to control and prevent them.

Indoor air problems stem from many substances including biological pollutants, combustion by-products, hazardous building materials, and household products.

Biological pollutants come from living matter.  The most widespread examples include mold, animal dander, and dust mites.  Excess condensation and poorly maintained HVAC systems can promote mold growth. Therefore it’s critical to have appliances with condensing units cleaned and serviced regularly.  Minimize the impact of animal dander and dust mites with regular dusting and cleaning.

Fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and kerosene, produce harmful by-products. Any heating appliance that burns fuel can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or excess water vapor.  Ensure that all fuel-burning equipment is well maintained, properly vented, and inspected regularly for safety.

Remodeling projects give your home new sparkle, but the process can create unhealthy air.  Home renovations often disturb areas containing old hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint, and can release particles into the air.  Rather than try to remove them, which often creates more of a health hazard, it is better to carefully cover them up. A professional inspector can help you determine what hazardous materials you will uncover and how best to contain and clean them up.  Paints, adhesives, and stripping and finishing solvents can also create indoor air pollution. Some of these products are volatile and flammable.  Read all labels thoroughly and use them strictly as recommended.

The very chemicals we use to clean and disinfect our homes can also cause air pollution.  Follow manufacturers’ instructions for amounts and usage.  Use the least strong product that will do the job with the smallest amount necessary.  Ventilate the area that you are cleaning so that fumes do not linger.  Keep household chemicals tightly sealed in their original containers.

Be aware of the signs that you may have an indoor air quality problem.  You may notice stale and musty odors.  Dirty or faulty HVAC equipment will most likely affect the air quality.  Excessive condensation and humidity often correlate to the presence of molds.  And take note of any changes to the family’s health inside the home, such as irritated eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion, and fatigue. If you suspect a problem with the air in your home, take action promptly.  A professional air quality inspector can do a comprehensive review of your home’s environment and help you address issues effectively.  Once you have fixed existing problems, schedule annual inspections and service calls to prevent recurring damage.

Indoor air issues can be a serious health problem for your family. If you suspect you may have a mold problem please feel free to contact our office for a no obligation consultation.