An unmistakably mold-stained wall, ceiling, or shower stall ranks among the least appealing sights in any downtown Boston real estate home, let alone one you’re shopping on the red-hot Beacon Hill real estate market. Today we’re going to take a look at how to identify and test for mold, how to clean it up, and how to hopefully mitigate some of the specific root causes of the issue to prevent future growth.
What is Downtown Boston Real Estate Mold
Molds refer to a widespread and incredibly diverse group of fungi thought to comprise anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of species. We tend to have a negative connotation of mold, but it’s important to note that these organisms perform vital decomposition services the world over, so we’ve actually got an awful lot to thank this fungal squad for.
Molds can grow both indoors and out on a wide variety of surfaces and reproduce by hardy spores that can disperse widely for long periods in environments unfavorable for mold growth. Mold spores (and molds) are in your home and just about everywhere; a mold-free domicile is not a reality you can achieve, but you certainly can take steps to treat and ward off the rampant mold growth that leads to visible buildup and the potential health issues associated with it.
Mold Growth in Downtown Boston Condo
Molds require moisture for growth, favoring wet and humid microclimates. Persistently damp areas in a home can therefore foster mold.
Some newer homes are so well-insulated that a lack of ventilation can promote mold growth. Older, draftier homes, meanwhile, may suffer from mold due to leaks, bathroom ventilation into attic spaces, and other issues.
Downtown Boston Real Estate Mold Cleanup and Remediation
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that mold cleanup under 10 square feet in area is usually easily done by yourself. It may be worth seeking professional cleaning by contractors or companies familiar with mold for buildups of greater extent.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces using a cloth and a mixture of detergent or vinegar and water. The EPA recommends wearing goggles, gloves and an N95 respirator for the task to limit your exposure to mold spores.
More absorbent surfaces that have accumulated mold, such as ceiling tiles and carpeting, may simply need to be replaced.
Besides cleaning up mold patches, it’s important to try to diagnose the underlying cause of the mold growth. Reducing indoor moisture is an important step to take if you’ve experienced a mold issue, though in some cases, the realities of Boston’s climate may limit your options. Definitely, though, identify and repair any leaks, and use ventilation/exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and other tools to ward against excess moisture whenever possible.
Tackle Mold Before Listing your Beacon Hill Condo for Sale
It’s hopefully stating the obvious to say that potential downtown Boston real estate buyers are likely to balk at significant mold issues: Besides the unappealing look and odor, they’ll likely interpret them as red flags suggesting underlying leakage or structural problems. As you work with a downtown Boston real estate agent to prepare your property for the market, identifying and remedying any significant mold problems should be a top priority
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