Expert Interview Series: Brian Reeves of MoldBlogger.com on Fighting Mold in Your Home

Brian Reeves is the owner and manager of MoldBlogger.com, a blog that provides invaluable tools for almost 100,000 visitors each month to fight mold and win.

Here, Brian talks about the dangers mold poses to homeowners and how they can reduce the risk of it showing up in their house. Read on:

Tell us about MoldBlogger.com. When and why was the site started?

MoldBlogger.com began in 2005 as a niche site that would provide genuine value and help to those in search of mold information. It was designed to assist online readers to find the resources they need to "fight mold and win!"

How did you become so interested in the dangers/risks of mold?

I became interested in the dangers of mold through my wife, who is very sensitive to mold. Looking for real estate in the very wet Pacific coast became quite the adventure and a learning process. It later garnered more of my attention as I dealt with some mold issues in my own home. Then, when the opportunity came to acquire MoldBlogger.com, I felt motivated to continue learning more while growing this online community.

How common is mold in homes today?

Mold is incredibly common. It can be found in wet climates where it thrives, or pretty much anywhere with a leak or humidity/water issue. Mold is an opportunistic organism. I have personally dealt with mold in several of the places I've lived. We know many friends and family members who have had both minor and major mold issues, some life-altering.

What are the risks of having mold in a building?

There are many financial and health risks associated with toxic mold in a building. Toxic mold is not good for people or buildings, and should be taken seriously.

Where is mold most likely to be found in a home? Where are some unexpected places it likes to hide?

Mold often occurs from leaks, whether leaky pipes or a leaking roof. Bathrooms and kitchens are notorious for harboring mold due to the plumbing or moisture issues. It also likes to hid on the back of furniture pushed close to a wall.

Are all molds dangerous? What types pose the most danger to homeowners?

The two that homeowners need to especially watch out for are Stachybotrys Chartarum (black mold) which can have many symptoms (see next item) and Aspergillus which leads to respiratory issues and infections.

What are the long-term affects of mold exposure to homeowners?

Anyone exposed to mold for an extended period of time may suffer from constant headaches, nose bleeds, coughing blood or black colored fragments, fatigue, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes and neurological disorders, among other things. You should consult a doctor who is aware of mold's impact on health if you think you are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure.

What might surprise homeowners the most about mold in their homes?

One common mistake is using bleach for mold on porous surfaces, such as drywall. The bleach will temporarily kill the mold on the surface, while the water will soak in, feeding the roots of the mold and potentially causing it to come back stronger the next time.

How can homeowners prevent mold in their homes?

Checking for leaks and maintaining a healthy humidity level is essential for preventing mold in homes. It is very basic, but so important.

What are your favorite tools for fighting mold?

Knowledge is the best tool in fighting mold. Knowledge tells you when you need a professional to safely deal with a mold problem, or if/when you could do it yourself and how. That is why MoldBlogger.com exists.

When should homeowners call in a professional to help battle dangerous mold?

If you have a dangerous mold situation you should consult a professional. It is not worth risking your health to try and deal with a big issue yourself. The EPA recommends that any mold problem larger than 10 square feet be examined by a expert.

Find a leak in your house? Call Rodenhiser to solve your plumbing problems.