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Classified by FEMA as a major hazard, mold has been linked to many illnesses - mostly in children, the elderly, and people with allergies or compromised immune systems.
Recent flooding in many areas of the country has brought a lot of attention to mold problems - but serious mold conditions can also be caused by even small pipe or roof leaks, or humidity. Mold poses real health and financial risks, which can be minimized with the guidance of this full-color book. Includes:
- How to inspect for mold in your home - and how to safely remove it.
- How to prevent mold - through maintenance and construction methods.
- What to do after a flood.
- How to deal with insurance issues.
- When you need a mold removal contractor and how to select a reliable one.
- Typical professional mold remediation costs.
Includes sample costs for mold remediation, testing and repair work.
Excerpt from the Introduction
Why Is Mold Such a Concern Today?
Mold has been around since the beginning of time and is a natural component of life on Earth . . . so why has it become such a big issue recently?
- The trend since the gas crisis of the 1970s has been toward "tight," energy-efficient houses with sealed openings to keep conditioned air inside, and outside air out. The problem is that any moisture generated or leaking inside is trapped there, providing ideal conditions for mold.
- Modern construction methods and materials like drywall and particleboard (with paper and cellulose) are a perfect breeding ground for mold, whereas older building materials, such as concrete and plaster, had greater resistance to mold growth.
- Increased remodeling of basements to expand living area has led to major mold problems when proper procedures were not taken to first prevent moisture from entering the space or to control the existing humidity.
- Well-publicized, high-dollar lawsuits have made people aware of the health and property damage risks and have caused insurance companies to reduce or eliminate coverage of mold-related damages.
- Recent weather disasters, such as the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, have led to untold damage from mold growing in flooded homes.
Contents
Chapter 1: What Is Mold and Where Does it Come From? Chapter 2: How Mold Can Affect Your Health. Chapter 3: Does Your Home (or One You Plan to Purchase) Have Mold? Chapter 4: Mold Testing. Chapter 5: Mold Cleanup Principles. Chapter 6: Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor. Chapter 7: Insurance Coverage. Chapter 8: Your Home's Contents. Chapter 9: What to Expect from Your Mold Remediator. Chapter 10: Mold-Resistant Construction Methods and Materials. Chapter 11: Maintenance Tips for Preventing Mold. Appendix. Resources. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
About the Author
Michael A Pugliese is a certified mold remediator (CMR, Indoor Air Quality Association) and a certified mold technician (CMT, Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration). He has spent thousands of hours over the past six years successfully cleaning up mold-contaminated environments. Many of his customers contracted his services after another remediator failed to get the job done right. He has performed mold remediation work for homeowners, corporate facility owners, major real estate companies, apartment communities, and insurance companies. His work has spanned eight states along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard, including major projects in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. |
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