Stuart Perlman, president of NationDry Waterproofing and certified mold remediation offers some advice on how to eliminate mold from the air your family breathes.

We've all heard the headlines about sick buildings and the dangers of mold. The scary thing is that we all have mold in our homes already. So how do you know if the level of mold in your home is normal or if you have a health hazard growing behind your walls? Stuart Perlman, president of NationDry Waterproofing and certified mold remediation expert, offers this advice to eliminate mold from the air your family breathes.

Is Mold Dangerous?

Molds can be hazardous and according to government toxicologists, they can affect us in four ways depending on the nature of the mold involved:

  • Mild to severe allergic reactions

  • Infection

  • Irritation (sinus, headaches, dizziness)

  • Toxicity (causes a wide variety of health problems, from chronic fatigue to memory loss, immune deficiencies and reproductive issues).


How Do I Know If I Have a Mold Problem?

The signs that you have a mold problem include:

  • A damp basement or basement where the humidity is over 55%;

  • Visible stains or mold on walls, floors or ceiling--especially from water damage;

  • A musty odor;

  • Your home has suffered a roof, basement or plumbing leak.

    "If you have one or more of these signs, you should get your home tested right away,"

    What Are the Essential Steps for Mold Remediation?

    "There are four critical steps in mold remediation,"

    Get an Independent Mold Test

    NationDry recommends that you do not get your mold test from the same company that does the remediation. Be wary of cheap or free tests from any remediation company, it's a conflict of interest and the test gives you no protection that the job will get done right. A quality test from a company should cost about $500. The home should be tested both before and after the remediation to insure that the work was completed.

    Hire a Certified Mold Remediation Specialist

    Make sure your mold remediation company is certified and ask if they have Contractors Pollution Liability Insurance. Mold is not covered under general liability insurance. It's an extra policy the company has to buy, and it will give you added protection in case the mold returns.

    NationDry Waterproofing has over 30 years of combined experience in basement waterproofing, interior and exterior drainage, certified mold remediation and foundation repair. For more information, visit www.nationdry.com.

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