Mold Damage Claim FAQs

How can I tell if my home is contaminated by harmful mold?

Mold can be found in most buildings in some form, but some strains of mold can be harmful or produce toxins and cause serious damage to your home and your health. Besides visual signs, many people notice mold first when members of their house develop an illness or symptoms relating to mold contamination. These molds are very often caused by water damage, as mold thrives in a moist, dark environment. If you experience a pipe bursting, leaking, or any kind of water damage (especially in dark places like between walls or in basements), check for mold periodically after repairs are made and have a qualified professional check and test your air for mold.

What kinds of molds are health hazards? How can I tell if the mold in my house is toxic?

One of the more hazardous molds is named Stachybotrys Chartarum or Stachybotrys atra. It is a black-green mold that often grows on materials like drywall and sheetrock, wood, ceiling tiles or more. Some strains can produce harmful mycotoxins, depending on the conditions in which they are growing. Not all green or black molds are stachybotrys, though, like the mold that appears between bathroom or kitchen tiles, for instance. If you find a suspicious mold growing in a wall or basement, the best thing to do is contact a qualified professional to check if it is toxic or if you have a more serious mold problem than what you can see.

What should I do if I learn my house is contaminated by mold?

The first thing you should do upon finding mold in your home is to avoid exposure as much as possible. Mold spreads by releasing spores into the air, and inhaling the spores of many strains can seriously harm you, your family, and your pets. If you have found mold and feel you have been exposed heavily, consider seeing a medical professional to make sure you don’t affect your health. As mold often begins from moisture or rot, identify the source and stop it if you can. Hire a certified remediation contractor to remove any mold or materials that have been damaged by it. Once this is finished, make sure a qualified and experienced industrial hygienist performs a clearance testing to check the levels of mycotoxins present and ensure your home is safe.

What should I do if I find severe mold damage in my home?

If you find a severe mold contamination, call a mold expert immediately. Visual mold contaminations can be indicative of a bigger water damage issue or a much bigger mold contamination and can be toxic. If you believe that the mold and/or water damage is enough to warrant an insurance claim, you should consider calling a public adjuster to ensure you are represented fairly and compensated properly for any damages that occur.

How can I tell if I have a severe mold contamination or everyday mold I can remove myself?

This can be difficult; as many mold strains are not excessively toxic and can occur in most any house. For instance, black mold forms between the cracks of bathroom or kitchen tiles very commonly, and can be cleaned with bleach or other cleaners. However, if you find a large area is contaminated with mold or it has started rotting materials, you should hire a professional to make sure that you don’t have serious water damage or a dangerous mold strain.

Is mold damage covered under my insurance plan?

This depends greatly on your area, insurance policy and provider, but most policies now have exclusion in their contract for mold damages. However, mold is most often caused by moisture and serious mold damage is very likely caused by a burst or leaking pipe and is frequently a sign of a much bigger water damage issue. Water damage is covered under most insurance policies, and some states have approved policy forms for home owners that allow a basic amount for mold remediation in their policies. The best way to know if you’re covered is to know your insurance policy well, and if you do not understand it you can always call ALL RISK Public Adjusters for a consultation.

If you have a mold or water damage issue, or just have questions about your policy and coverage in the event of a mold contamination, call ALL RISK Public Adjusters to set up a consultation