The Homeowner's Guide to Mold

by Michael Pugliese

Overview

Even a minor, hidden water leak, untreated, can result in major mold problems and thousands of dollars in damage… and a severely mold-contaminated house can’t be lived in or sold! Once moisture combines with dust or mold-friendly materials like drywall, mold can start growing and spreading in as little as 24-48 hours.

This book will show you how to:

• Inspect for mold throughout a home.
• Remove mold and keep it from coming back… including the best maintenance procedures to prevent mold growth.
• Select mold-preventive construction techniques and new mold-resistant materials if you’re building or remodeling.
• Deal with insurance companies if you’re thinking of submitting a mold damages claim.
• Select a reliable mold removal contractor, and know when you need one.
• Plus standard procedures and costs for mold remediation, testing, and repair work

FEATURES:

Invaluable tips on:

• Recognizing mold, will full-color photographs
• Removing mold safely and effectively
• Mold removal contractors and insurance issues

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876298213
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/05/2006
Series:	RSMeans , #65
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Michael Pugliese, CMR, CMT is the author of The Homeowner's Guide to Mold, published by Wiley.

Table of Contents

About the Author & Reviewers.

Introduction.

Why Is Mold Such a Concern Today?

Is Your House Making You Sick?

Protecting Your Home’s Value.

How Th is Book Will Help You.

Chapter 1: What Is Mold & Where Does It Come From?

Facts & Hype.

Understanding How Mold Grows & Spreads.

Does My Home Have a Dangerous Type of Mold?

“There Was Mold, but We Bleached It Out. Don’t Worry!”.

Chapter 2: How Mold Can Affect Your Health.

Risks to People.

Risks to Pets.

The Infamous “Black Mold”.

How Mold Gets Into Our Bodies.

Chapter 3: Does Your Home (or One You Plan to Purchase) Have Mold?

Looking for Mold.

Asking the Right Questions.

Water Inspection Guidelines.

Mold on the Home’s Exterior.

Chapter 4: Mold Testing.

After Your Inspection.

If You’re Considering Mold Testing.

Before Testing.

The Home Test Kit.

Types of Mold Spore Testing.

Reading the Microbiology Reports.

Chapter 5: Mold Cleanup Principles.

Goals of Mold Cleanup.

How Big Is Your Mold Problem?

Mold Caused by Flooding.

Chapter 6: Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor.

Industry Standards.

How to Select a Qualified Mold Remediation Contractor.

How to Recognize & Avoid Con Artists.

The Importance of Being Informed.

Chapter 7: Insurance Coverage.

What Most People Th ink… and Are Wrong.

What Happens If I Make a Mold Claim to My Insurance Company?

Th ings to Remember Prior to Making a Mold Claim.

What Can Go Wrong with Your Mold Claim.

Public Adjusters/Appraisal.

Know Your Rights.

Chapter 8: Your Home’s Contents.

It Looks Clean.

What If Your Mold Remediator Suggests You Handle the Contents to Save Money?

Cross-Contaminating Your Home.

Packing Out Your Furniture.

Items That Tend to Attract Mold.

Chapter 9: What to Expect from Your Mold Remediator.

The Right Steps in the Right Order.

What to Expect During the Remediation Process.

Common Remediation Methods.

Do-It-Yourself Mold Remediation.

Chapter 10: Mold-Resistant Construction Methods & Materials.

Mold-Preventing Construction Methods—Basic Principles.

Proper Handling of Construction Materials to Prevent Mold.

Mold-Resistant Construction Materials.

Chapter 11: Maintenance Tips for Preventing Mold.

Appendix.

A: Questions & Answers About Mold.

B: Health Eff ects from Exposure to Specific Types of Household Molds.

C: Typical Costs for Mold Remediation & Testing, and Mold Remediation Construction Methods.

Resources.

Glossary.

Bibliography.

Index.