Left to Rot: Foreclosed Homes Begging for Mold Remediation
December 06, 2011
Foreclosed Homes Continue to Suffer from Mold Take Over
Foreclosed homes may seem like a good deal, but an unsightly menace is lurking beneath the carpet--mold. As the number of foreclosed homes rise, the need for mold remediation and mildew removal increases as well.
In vacant homes, natural ventilation does not occur, unlike indoor environments that have air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. When these utilities are not in use, a home becomes susceptible to mold growth.
Areas that the mold growth occurs include:
- Underneath the carpet
- Bathroom fixtures
- Closets
- Drywall
- Basements/Crawl Spaces
- Attics
Often mold will destroy carpets, walls and floors forcing homeowners to replace them. In extreme cases, mold remediation will not solve the problem and homes must be completely bulldozed.
These abandoned homes maintain a temperature in the high 70s to mid 80s creating an optimal indoor environment for mold growth. These conditions make it necessary to utilize mold removal products for mold remediation and mildew removal.
The Foreclosure Crisis and Mold Growth
Realtors say this phenomenon is happening not only because the economy is poor, but also because the process of selling a foreclosed home can take years, welcoming mold to cultivate in the unoccupied homes. Usually, by the time banks process the paperwork for foreclosed homes, it’s too late—the mold has taken over the home and mold remediation is vital to restore the residence.
Some city building inspectors are asking financial institutions who own homes to turn on the AC to prevent mold and the need for mold remediation. However, this may be impossible for some foreclosed homes, as many of them have had their AC units stripped.
Until something is done about the issue, vacant homes will continue to beg for mold removal. If your foreclosed home is in need of mold remediation, visit Trask Research for a number of mold removal products and mold clean-up products.
