Vital Oxide Protects Homes from Mold
The recent economic downturn and softness in the housing market has left many homes sitting vacant for months, and in some cases homes are not being properly maintained for a year or more. Unfortunately, vacant homes that are left without proper care are significantly losing value due to the ravages of mold and other organisms that undermine the physical structures including drywall, framing, and basements.
According to RealtyTrac, more than 850,000 homes have been repossessed by lenders since August of 2007 and more foreclosures are being reported each and every month. As homes sit empty, the ravages of neglect begin to take their toll. Banks are not in the business of owning (nor maintaining homes) and while foreclosed homes may be tempting bargains to prospective homeowners, its vitally important to properly assess any damages that may have accrued since the home was vacated.
In virtually all of the homes that are currently bank owned or on the foreclosure market, utilities have been cut for quite some time. When air conditioning is turned off for extended periods of time or during periods when temperatures are not properly monitored, humidity levels can skyrocket and create the ideal conditions for mold proliferation. In some cases where mold contamination has become severe, humans who enter such homes may be putting themselves in a position of significant health risk. The inhalation of mold spores and other microorganisms can trigger a host of threatening health conditions that can be deadly in the worst case scenarios.
When evaluating the condition of any home that has been sitting vacant, it is critical to assess the mold condition of the entire home. Air samples should also be taken and tested to assure that the air quality is sufficiently benign and will not pose any serious health risks. The foreclosed home needs to be thoroughly cleaned as quickly as possible to prevent further deterioration of the home's structure and interior walls. All surfaces need to be treated with a disinfectant such as Vital Oxide to kill mold spores and eliminate deadly forms of bacteria. Once the home has been sufficiently treated and cleaned, a new air sample should be taken to assure air quality. In severe cases, a professional mold remediation service may be necessary to ensure that the home has been properly treated.
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