Here at Mastertech, we have recently received a lot of questions regarding mold in new home construction. This is something that continues to baffle not only our staff, but the homebuyers themselves as well. Everything in your new home should be spotless and clean. Mold lurking in the basement and growing through the walls isn’t something you should have to worry about. Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist environments. Mold is a common problem in older homes, but it has lately become a concern in new buildings as well. Mold is on the rise in new houses, even in so-called luxury residences, because of poor construction techniques. We take a look at the indications of mold in new buildings and why it’s becoming such a problem.
Why is Mold a Big Issue in New Home Construction?
Mold in new home construction is unfortunately becoming more and more frequent. In most cases, builders rush to complete homes throughout the autumn and winter months so that they are ready to sell in the spring. While there are techniques to do it securely, there is a significant increase in the danger of mold forming in new homes when built this manner. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why mold in new home construction may be taking place.
Moldy Building Supplies
Whenever the material that will be used to construct your home is delivered, it is frequently dumped directly on the ground. Lumber lying in the mud for more than 48 hours might result in increased moisture retention in the wood if it is not used in a timely manner and is exposed to the elements, such as rain & humidity. Given how rapidly mold may develop—in as little as 24 to 48 hours—this circumstance provides the ideal environment for mold to grow on the building materials.
Inefficient Ventilation
When it comes to mold in new construction, there is often a lack of efficient ventilation & air circulation to prevent moisture from becoming stagnant. Any moisture that is trapped in the structure will have nowhere to go, thus settling into any porous building materials in the space. This may not seem like a huge deal, but overtime this moisture buildup can lead to hidden mold growth in your South Jersey home.
Condensation
Condensation forms when cold air & hot air meet. This means that if one area of your home is air conditioned & another is not, like an attic & the floor below, condensation can form on the material where these two areas meet. Ensuring that there is distinct separation or insulation between areas with substantial temperature differences can help to avoid condensation from forming. Here at Mastertech, we often find that this happens specifically in attics with poor ventilation, as the hot air is trapped inside. Proper attic insulation and ventilation can help to prevent your new home from having issues with condensation that inevitably lead to mold development.
Signs Of Mold In Your New Home
The most apparent indicator that you have mold in a new house is visible growth. However, even if you have a mold problem, you may not always see it. The following are indicators of mold in your new home:
- Paint that is peeling or splitting
- Walls and ceilings with stains or discoloration
- Walls and ceilings that are spongy or soft
- Musty, suspicious odors
Many individuals report health problems or symptoms of allergies or asthma that are more severe than normal. Congestion, difficulty breathing, frequent headaches, and respiratory problems are some of these symptoms. However, in new homes, these are not necessarily a sure sign of mold.
Dealing With Mold In Your New Home
As a South Jersey homebuyer, it is important that you are educated on how to deal with mold in your new home. While it may not even be something you need to worry about, being prepared is never a bad thing. If your new home has mold, contact a local mold remediation company in your South Jersey area to handle the damage quickly and effectively.
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