Will Insurance Cover Mold Removal?
When you think of mold and its dangers, it’s probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But mold—especially in high-risk areas like basements and attics—is one of the most common causes of property damage. In fact, it’s estimated that mold damage costs American businesses $24 billion each year. If you own a property with a high risk of mold growth, there’s a good chance your insurance company will not cover the cost of mold removal. And even if they do, it might only cover a fraction of the total cost. This is where preventive measures come in handy. By knowing what signs to look for and taking action when you see them, you can protect your home and your investments—no matter what happens to the economy.
Will Insurance Cover Mold Removal?
If you are dealing with mold, some insurance companies may cover the costs of remediation. However, each company has different policies so it is important to check with your insurer before beginning any work. In general, insurers will cover removal and cleanup of harmful mold and its by-products, as long as the mold is verified to be the cause of a property’s health hazard.
Types of Mold
There are many types of mold, but all mold is made up of a fungus and a mycelium. Some common types of mold include black mold, white mold, brown mold, and Mildew.
Black Mold: Black mold is the most common type of mold and can be found all over the world. It is caused by the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum and can grow rapidly in warm, moist environments. Black mold produces a foul smelling odor and can cause respiratory problems if exposure is excessive.
White Mold: White Mold is also caused by the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum and can be found on surfaces that are wetted often such as flooring, wallpaper, or carpeting. It usually grows more slowly than black mold, but can produce a similar smell and cause similar health problems.
Brown Mold: Brown Mold is less common than black or white molds but can still be found growing on various materials including wood, paper, fabric, or stored food. Brown Mold produces a sulfur-based odor which may irritate the nose and eyes. Like black or white molds, brown Mould also causes respiratory problems if exposure is excessive.
Mildew: Mildew is caused by an environmental fungus (Mycena galactomyces) and typically grows on surfaces that are damp such as showers walls or ceilings.
What to do if You Suspect Mold
If you suspect that you or someone in your home has mold, there are a few things you can do to determine whether insurance will cover the removal process. First, check with your policyholder representative to see if removing mold is specifically covered under your policy. If it is not, then consider seeking out coverage through an additional insurance plan such as a homeowner’s or flood policy.
Once you have a firm understanding of what coverage is available to you, it’s important to take steps to identify the mold and remove it. You can use a variety of tools to identify mold including: visual inspection, testing kits, air quality tests and moisture readings. Once you have identified the mold, it’s important to take action to remove it.
There are several options available to remove mold including: professional remediation services, DIY remediation methods and using products like bleach or vinegar. It’s also important to protect yourself and your family while remediation is taking place by following basic safety guidelines such as wearing proper protection gear and closing off areas of the home that children may be visiting.
How to Remove Mold from a Home
If you’re noticing spots or black mold, it’s time to take action. Luckily, mold can be removed from a home with a few simple steps. Here’s how:
1. Check for visible signs of mold growth, such as black spots or patches on wallpaper or ceilings.
2. Remove any affected materials, such as drywall, insulation, and flooring.
3. Ventilate the area well to expel the mold spores and other contaminants.
4. Use a Mold Removal Kit (available at most hardware stores) to remove the mold. Follow the kit’s instructions carefully to prevent damage to your home.
Conclusion
Mold removal can be a daunting task, but it is definitely worth it to get your home free of mold and other dangerous fungi. Many insurance companies now cover mold removal as part of their standard service, so you should check with your provider to see if this is the case for you. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to remove mold safely and effectively: