Proper Home Maintenance Is the Best Defense Against Mold, Says the Insurance Information Institute

Mold Is Not Covered under Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies

When it comes to keeping your home mold-free, a strong offense is definitely your best defense, says the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

To prevent mold, eliminate moisture from your home and be on the lookout for signs of possible growth, such as musty smells or watermarks on walls and ceilings, suggests the I.I.I.

Caught early, mold can usually be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. To prevent mold from growing back, however, it is essential that the source of the moisture be eliminated and the affected area properly dried, cleaned and, if necessary, replaced. Also, remember to bag and dispose of any material with moldy residue such as rags, paper or debris.

To help prevent the growth of mold in your home, the I.I.I. suggests the following:

Reduce humidity in your home

• Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent and 60 percent by using air
• conditioners or dehumidifiers.
• Put exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Don’t install carpets in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.
• Don’t let water accumulate under house plants.

Use mold-reducing products

• Clean bathrooms with bleach or other mold-eliminating products.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.

Keep your home and belongings dry

• Fix leaky pipes, faucets and hoses.
• Keep gutters clean of leaves and other debris.
• Maintain your roof to prevent water from seeping into your home.

Be careful after a flood or other water damage

• Properly dry or remove soaked carpets, padding and upholstery within 24 to 48 hours after a flood to prevent mold growth. Anything that can’t be properly dried should be discarded.
• Remove standing water as quickly as possible. Standing water is a breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and inhaled.
• Wash and disinfect, with bleach or other mold-eliminating products, all areas that have been flooded. This includes walls, floors, closets and shelves, as well as heating and air-conditioning systems.
• In areas with high concentrations of mold, such as many homes flooded by Hurricane Katrina, health officials recommend homeowners wear protective gear such as a mask and gloves, during mold cleanup.

If you have any questions regarding mold and homeowners insurance, contact your agent or company representative. They can provide information on how to maintain your home and may also be able to provide the name of an expert in mold remediation.

You can get more information on mold on the CDC Web site ( http://www.cdc.gov/ ). For additional information on insurance, access the I.I.I.’s Web site ( http://www.iii.org/ ) or call the helpline at 800-942-4242.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit communications organization sponsored by the property/casualty insurance industry.