If you’re considering purchasing a home, you might be concerned about mould inside the property. This worry is entirely justified. In this piece, we delve into how mould develops inside your home, situations that should cause concern, and answer the question: should you get a mould inspection when buying a house?
How Mould Grows Inside Your Home
It’s essential to understand that mould is in every home. While the mere presence of mould isn’t harmful, an excessive amount or certain types of mould can be detrimental to your health. We’re particularly concerned about mould inside a home when it grows more than it would in an exterior environment. Some individuals are more sensitive to mould growth and may need extra filtration within their home – but more on that later.
The Needs For Mould Growth
For mould to grow to concerning levels, it requires food and moisture. Elevated mould levels in homes are usually tied to roof leaks, plumbing issues, or water intrusion problems. Common issues we observe as property inspectors include:
- Unmaintained roofs with prolonged leaks
- Water seeping through exterior walls
- Hidden or unaddressed plumbing leaks
- Faulty air handlers creating humid environments Such problems can arise when a property sits vacant, when homeowners delay repairs due to financial constraints, or simply when they’re unaware of an issue.
When Should You Be Concerned
Raise your antennas if you spot:
- Neglected homes with overgrown vegetation, chipping paint, damaged siding, or noticeable roof issues
- A musty odour indoors
- Persistent roof or plumbing leaks
- Water intrusion problems
- Malfunctioning air conditioning
How Home Inspectors Can Help
Experienced home inspectors can often identify potential mould issues during their inspections. For example, an inspection might highlight a leak using thermography. It’s crucial to remember that standard home inspections aren’t mould assessments. While most home inspectors visually check for mould during their inspections, dedicated mould tests or inspections are required for a thorough assessment.
Types of Mould Inspections
If you think you need a mould inspection, familiarise yourself with your options:
- Indoor Air Quality Testing: This involves capturing air onto a cassette. A home inspector usually performs this after taking an external air sample as a control, followed by several internal air samples.
- Mould Swabs: If you can visibly see mould, these swabs verify its presence and type.
- General Mould Inspection: This involves assessing the home for potential mould growth areas, using tools like thermal cameras or moisture meters.
How To Keep Mould Out Of Your Home
For those sensitive to mould or keen to prevent its growth, several strategies can help. Regular home maintenance inspections are a top preventive measure. Additionally, dehumidifiers, HEPA filters, and high-quality air handler filters can reduce humidity and remove mould spores from the air.
Conclusion
If you’re either seeing signs of mould or are sensitive to it, it’s prudent to get a mould inspection when purchasing property. If in doubt, a home inspector can suggest a mould inspection post their primary assessment.
For reliable mould testing and home inspections in the NZ region, trust Eye Spy Property Inspections. If you have further queries, drop a comment below or reach out to us directly. Your peace of mind is our priority.