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Version: 2011.07.01

Mold

Important Information You Should Know About Mold​

Mold is a type of fungus that spreads through the air in microscopic spores. Mold occurs naturally and is found everywhere that life can be supported. Over 100,000 species of mold exist in the world and 1,000 of these are found in the U.S. In order to grow, mold requires food, air, water, and a temperature between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

While not all molds are harmful, growth of mold within a home is inappropriate and can potentially cause serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and infections, for the occupants in addition to damaging the material on which it grows. Experts are studying whether more serious side effects are possible. At this point, no agency has been able to set guidelines on how much exposure is harmful because each individual reacts to mold differently.

Designing or building homes that exclude mold spores is impossible. If conditions are right, mold will grow in your home. Items commonly found in all homes--such as wood, carpet, drywall, fabric, and insulation, to name a few--can supply a food source. Likewise, air and temperature in most homes supply the needs of mold spores. If moisture is present and remains on a mold food source, mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours.

Moisture Is the Key

Moisture is the only mold growth factor that can be controlled in a home. By minimizing moisture, you reduce or eliminate mold growth. Moisture in your home comes from many sources. The activities of daily living, spills, leaks, overflows, condensation, and high climatic humidity are examples. Good housekeeping and maintenance are essential in your effort to prevent or eliminate mold growth.

Maintenance Guidelines for Your Home​

Caulking​

Maintain all caulking around such areas as windows, doors, sinks, tubs, and showers.

Cleaning​

Mold grows well on dust and dirt. Therefore, vacuum and dust regularly. Clean or replace furnace and humidifier filters in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Keep weep holes for brick and on windows clear. Most bath tile cleaning products contain chemicals that remove and help protect against mold growth. Wipe up any spills immediately.

Condensation​

Condensation on surfaces inside your home is a sign of high humidity. If you notice condensation, wipe it up and take steps to reduce the humidity level in your home.

Humidifier​

If your home includes a humidifier, operate it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and clean it as recommended in the manufacturer's literature. If condensation develops, turn the humidifier down or off. Classic does not install humidifiers and is not responsible for damages associated with the installation or usage of a humidifier.

Inspections​

Check your home regularly for signs of water intrusion. These might include a musty odor, staining, or actual standing moisture. Remember to check inside cabinets under all sinks and behind toilets as well as in seldom used closets. If applicable, confirm your sump pump functions correctly. Check weather stripping, caulking, grout, weep holes, and so on. Check the refrigerator pan, air conditioning condensate line, coils, and condenser pan for signs of mold growth.

Landscaping and Drainage​

Maintain positive drainage around your home. Avoid changes to the grade or exterior additions that interfere with drainage away from the home; this includes edging or borders that dam water near the home. Regularly inspect any sprinkler system for correct function. Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid their spraying the home and correct any leaks immediately. Keep splash blocks or downspout extensions in place to channel roof water away from your home. Clean gutters as needed to prevent overflow.

Leaks​

During the Limited Warranty Period, report any leak(s) to Classic Homes Customer Care. This includes roof, window, or plumbing leaks. Failure to report leaks promptly increases your risk and responsibility for repairs.

Purchases or Stored Items​

Carefully inspect items you bring into your home such as boxes that have been in storage or new house plants for any sign of mold, including musty odors.

Tile Grout​

Inspect and maintain grout as a seal to keep moisture from reaching the wall behind the tile.

Valves – Water Shut-Offs​

Be familiar with the shut-off valves for all water supply lines in your home. In the event of a leak, immediately shut off the water at the appropriate valve to minimize the amount of water that is released. Clean up the water immediately.

Ventilation​

Your daily habits can help keep your home well ventilated:

  1. Do not cover or interfere in any way with the fresh air supply to your furnace.
  2. Develop the habit of running the hood fan when you are cooking.
  3. Turn bath fans on when bathrooms are in use.
  4. Connect your clothes dryer exhaust to the vent pipe. Clean the exhaust tube as needed to keep it clear and functioning efficiently.
  5. Air your house by opening windows for a time when weather permits.

Weather Stripping​

Weather stripping on doors may need occasional adjustment to prevent moisture from getting in around the door as well as to reduce air infiltration.

Warranty Coverage: See Mold Standards for coverage details.