Pillar To Post warns summer heat can fuel hidden mold problems

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors says July and August can bring the right mix of heat, humidity and leaks for mold to grow inside homes. The company is urging homeowners to check moisture-prone areas now, before small problems affect air quality, property value and repair costs.

Why it matters: - Summer heat and humidity can create indoor conditions that let mold develop fast, especially after storms, leaks or poor ventilation. - Mold is often a sign of a moisture problem that can affect indoor air quality, property value and long-term home performance. - FEMA says mold can begin growing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours after flooding or water intrusion.

What happened: - Pillar To Post Home Inspectors issued summer guidance for homeowners on how to spot and prevent mold during July and August. - The home inspection company said high humidity, roof or plumbing leaks, clogged gutters, wet basements, air-conditioning condensation and weak ventilation can all contribute to mold growth. - Charles “Chuck” Gravely, vice president of technical standards and development, said homeowners should identify and correct the source of moisture, not just clean visible mold.

The details: - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise keeping humidity as low as possible, no higher than 50 percent all day, and making sure air flows freely through the home. - Mold can show up as dark spots, fuzzy growth, staining or discoloration. - Hidden warning signs include musty odors, peeling paint, warped trim, damp drywall, recurring window condensation and persistent basement humidity. - Summer moisture can also lead to musty carpeting, swollen wood, damaged drywall, rotting trim, dust mites, pest activity and odors in basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms and attics. - Pillar To Post says homeowners should check basements, crawl spaces, attics, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, under sinks, near water heaters, near HVAC equipment, around windows and along exterior walls. - The company recommends using a hygrometer to track indoor humidity, especially in basements and lower levels. - Homeowners should dry wet areas quickly after leaks, overflows, floods or storms. - Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans should run during and after showers, cooking and laundry, and the fans should vent outdoors. - Air conditioning can reduce humidity, but clogged condensate drains, dirty filters, poor airflow or condensation around equipment can create new moisture problems. - Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned and extended away from the foundation, and soil should slope away from the house. - Mold should not be painted or caulked over before the moisture source is fixed. - Small mold spots on hard surfaces may be manageable, but larger areas, recurring mold, HVAC-related mold, floodwater contamination or hidden wall-cavity mold should be evaluated by qualified professionals. - Pillar To Post says a professional home inspection can help identify moisture concerns, drainage issues, ventilation problems and exterior vulnerabilities. - Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors says it is North America’s largest home inspection company, with home offices in Toronto and Tampa, more than 350 franchises in the U.S. and Canada, and 85,000 5-star Google reviews on record. - More information is available on Pillar To Post’s website.

Between the lines: - The message goes beyond mold cleanup and focuses on prevention, which is usually cheaper and less disruptive than repairing hidden moisture damage later. - The guidance also positions home inspection as a summer maintenance checkup, not just a service used during buying or selling a house.

What’s next: - Homeowners are being urged to use the summer months to inspect high-risk areas and correct moisture sources before visible mold spreads. - Pillar To Post says the earlier moisture issues are found, the easier they usually are to address. - The company says routine summer maintenance should include looking for signs that moisture is already affecting comfort, air quality and home durability.