Mold In Bathroom
Recently, I was reading an article on things virtually no insurance company will cover – zero, not one penny – nothing. The number 1 item was mold. Why? Perhaps, it’s because mold is one of the greatest causes of damage in homes. It can also sicken people with serious respiratory illnesses. Mold in a bathroom is a top concern.
Insurance and Mold
The New York-based trade group Insurance Information Institute (III), says at least 1,000 species of mold are common to the United States. According to Chris Kissell, “a breakout of splotchy mold on walls not only looks disgusting but also is a health risk that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says can bring about symptoms similar to allergies or even breathing difficulties.” Mold in a bathroom is one of the primary places for mold growth.
Ms. Worters of III adds “if you’re willing to pay extra money for coverage, some insurers offer an endorsement that provides coverage (with limits) for mold claims – again, only if you are willing to pay more for your insurance.” The cost can be outright ridiculous.
Do I Have Mold?
The best cure for mold in a bathroom is to prevent it from growing in the first place. If your bathroom, bathtub, shower, or common area wall smells musty, the paint is flaking or peeling (especially on the ceilings and in the corners near the tub or shower), drywall is blistering, baseboards are swelling or crumbling, or there is black or grayish discoloration on walls, tile, grout, caulk, or floors, eliminate the moisture promptly! Also look at the edges/corners of the shower pan (floor) in your shower. Dirty, black, or visibly cracked, you may already have a growing water and mold damage problem!
If you see mold in the bathroom, fix it now. It will only get more expensive the longer you wait.
There are three things that only get more expensive over time – these are water, mold, and insect damage. I typically see all three together. Water brings the mold, and the mold brings the insects who then feed on both the mold and your house. Combined, your house does not stand a chance! Caulking or painting over the areas will not fix the problem – it will make it worse.
Unfortunately, many homes in Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and other South Orange County California communities were constructed using methods that highly encouraged mold growth in a bathroom. Much of the growth and damage occurs unseen behind walls, tile, flooring, and stucco for years, even decades.
With each passing day, the destruction, and expenses to repair mold damage grows exponentially. Water and mold damage in a bathroom never get cheaper over time – they get substantially more expensive.
What are the Health Risks of Mold?
According to the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold symptoms include stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Difficulty breathing and infections in the respiratory tract are also common. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. These severe reactions include memory loss, and lethargy. In infant children, Pulmonary Hemorrhage/Hemosiderosis (serious and often fatal bleeding into the lower respiratory tract) can occur. Ever notice how “allergies” seem to be at their worse in the morning? Where is the bathroom? Likely in the same room as the bedroom or in close proximity. These “allergies” may be caused by mold in the bathroom.
Published studies by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker have determined that toxic mold causes Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS); also known as Toxic Mold Illness (TMI). CIRS is commonly misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stress, allergies, and depression.
Thousands of Americans every year are suffering from toxic mold in their homes. This severely impacts their everyday lives as they go from doctor to doctor looking for help. More than a few are misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia, CFS, or IBS when the real problem is mold. Mold must be taken seriously. If you have mold in your bathroom, for example, it is time to address the problem.
How Do I Fix Mold In the Bathroom?
The best method to remove mold in the bathroom is to remove everything down to the studs (drywall, insulation, tile, flooring, cabinets, etc.). This completely removes the destructive mold living, feeding, and multiplying within these materials. This also allows the inspection of all wall cavities and substrate surfaces. After opening and removing these items, the area can be dried out, treated, and repaired.
If you have mold in the bathroom, check your ventilation.
Another extremely important consideration is ventilation. Even if your bathroom has a window, current building codes require that you have an energy efficient Title 24 compliant ventilation fan with a Humidistat sensor. The exhaust fan needs at least 4” ventilation. This includes the exhaust duct. The fan must have a back-draft damper and all ductwork properly installed and insulated (yes, these can easily be installed incorrectly). The fan duct, from size, material, and system used to install is critical to ensure the entire fan system works properly. The best fan will not work properly if the duct system is wrong. With few exceptions, the fan should always vent through the roof. Obvious exceptions are 1st floor bathrooms in a 2-story home – these should vent outside using the shortest possible route.
Always Hire a Reliable and Dependable Contractor to Remodel your Bathroom
Always work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction. We are experts in bathroom remodeling who can manage projects in an efficient manner. DAD’s Construction will do everything to minimize the possibility of change orders. Our team will make sure we have all the necessary information to prepare a proposal that meets your requirements. Rest assured that we will provide you with a detailed, by line-item contract. We will make sure that the contents of this agreement are properly and clearly communicated to you. If you have questions or need updates regarding your project, we will always answer your inquiries.
How Can I Receive More Information on Remodeling my Bathroom?
If you would like more information on enjoying the best bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation. DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California. This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo.
