Mold Damage

In Hollywood and across South Florida, the humid subtropical climate puts homes at risk of mold damage. In this climate, mold can easily grow between walls, on ceilings, and on virtually every surface. Over time, it can cause illness to the home’s occupants as well as damage to the property.

Mold is an umbrella term for types of fungi. There are many types of mold which can grow in a home, including black mold, also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum. While mold is naturally occurring outdoors, inside it can grow undetected between walls, ceilings, and floors, causing damage and illness.

Mold can cause two types of damage in homes. First, as it grows, it consumes the floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces where it grows, causing serious and permanent damage to the material and even structural integrity. Any areas consumed by mold need to be replaced and a mold remediation contractor may need to evaluate the damage.

Mold can also cause illness. Mold can release mycotoxins, which are very small by-products, as well as spores. When these are breathed in by people living with mold in their home, household members can get ill and can especially suffer from respiratory problems.

Sometimes, mold leaves few noticeable clues, especially at first. If you have had a leak you only detected recently or if your home has been affected by flooding, you may need to call in a mold remediation contractor to determine if your home has been affected by mold. Even if you notice your home is damp and you have a hard time maintaining a dry atmosphere, mold may be forming under floors or under other surfaces.

As mold grows, it becomes more obvious. You may notice signs such as:

• A musty smell in the home.
• Black or dark spots on surfaces.
• Dampness.
• Peeling wallpaper.
• Respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing or a runny nose.
• Dark, damp spots on grout, rugs, and carpet.

If you do have mold, you will want to contact professionals who can remove all traces of mold. Even if small amounts or spores remain, mold can grow back. In addition, removing mold is a potentially dangerous task which can expose you to mold spores and toxic mycotoxins. Professionals will know how to limit exposure and how to keep themselves and anyone in your household safe.

To remove mold, you may need to remove tile, drywall, and other surfaces which have been affected. You may also need to make changes in your home to reduce the likelihood of mold returning. You may need to install new ventilation, for example, or use dehumidifiers. A specialist can recommend the best strategy to eliminate mold.

If your home has mold because of poor construction work, you may have a legal claim. Even if mold is caused by flooding or a leak, it is valuable to speak to a property damage attorney. If you want to file an insurance claim, some insurers may try to discourage you from making a claim. In other cases, you may be offered less than the amount it will cost to have mold removed from your home.

If you detect mold in your home, you may wish to contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a property damage lawyer serving residents of Hollywood. Our attorneys have experience with both personal injury and property damage, so we can represent you whether you are working with your insurance provider or may have a third-party claim.