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There’s a Fungus
Among Us |
Coughing? Wheezing?
Experiencing flu like symptoms? The damp winter (and all of
2003, for that matter) has kept many of us feeling under the
weather of late, but the damp conditions may be fueling a
mold invasion in our own homes causing us to feel sick. If
left unchecked, mold spores can wreak havoc with your
family’s health and your house’s structural integrity.
“We all have mold in our homes,” says Jerry Misner Sr.,
business administrator with Grangeville Environmental
Services, a remediation contractor based in Hanover, Pa.
“The issue is whether these spores find a habitable place to
grow in your home.”
The increased moisture much of the country saw in 2003,
paired with manmade circumstances, such as increased
construction, added insult to injury. “The environment is
changing,” Misner says. “We’re taking away more land and
changing the ecosystem. Global warming is changing the
seasons, and humidity creates real opportunity for mold.”
Toxicologists and physicians are becoming more educated on
the effects of indoor allergens on human health as well.
Remediation contractors are usually called in for
health-related issues. Only then do clients become aware of
the extent of structural damage, Misner says. Contaminated
wall-, flake- or particleboard, insulation and even framing
can be damaged. GES has seen remediation cost as little as
$200 and as much as $20,000, depending on the extent of the
damage.
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“Controlling moisture is
the best key to prevention,” says Richard Myers, GES’s field
services coordinator. Moisture sources include a leaky roof,
foundation, clogged gutters or pipe breaks in walls that go
unnoticed. “Once it’s finally visible, you’ve got a real
issue,” he says. “Taking a proactive stance now can save a
lot of money in the future.”
Homeowners can combat potential problems by cleaning problem
areas with a disinfectant. Although a mixture of bleach and
water works well, it can
be toxic and difficult to use properly. Nontoxic cleaners
are making their way into the market, however. “The key is
to follow the directions,” Myers says.
Other minor problems can be dealt with by do-it-yourselfers.
Simply tearing down drywall and replacing it can spread mold
spores to other, noncontaminated areas of your home, but
information on how to do it properly is readily available.
If you’re buying a home, make sure your home inspector is
trained to identify mold. And if you’re selling your home,
talk with your agent about mold inspections and proper
disclosure.
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Invest in the Best
Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming
task. But the right REALTOR® can make the process easier and
more profitable.
A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of
experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a
fast-paced, complex and competitive market.
To receive the CRS Designation, REALTORS® must demonstrate
outstanding professional achievements — including high-volume
sales — and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance,
marketing and technology. They also maintain membership in the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code
of Ethics.
Work with the top 4 percent of agents in the nation. Contact the
Council of Residential Specialists to find who has demonstrated
results and shown unsurpassed professionalism at www.crs.com
under “Find a CRS” or call 800.462.8841.
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