What is Organic Growth and Why You Need an Organic Growth Inspection

Mold, known as organic growth to many contractors, is a major concern for home and property owners alike. Organic growth contributes to many hazards and should be remedied quickly. If you aren’t convinced still, here are a few reasons to consider using a home inspection service to check for organic growth, as well as some information on when these services are most beneficial, and how the process works.

Person holding mold inspection report

What is Organic Growth?

Organic growth/mold is a fungus that thrives in damp spaces. This fungus spreads by releasing spores that float around until they settle on a moist surface, further enabling their growth. Sometimes organic growth will be clearly visible such as spots on your ceiling or walls. Other times, it’s in a hidden location such as inside carpet, walls, cabinets, and other hidden spots.

The best way to limit organic growth is through ensuring your roof, HVAC, and plumbing are in good condition, cleaning up spills, and making sure damp rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom are venting moisture.

So why clean up organic growth? 1. It damages any surface it grows on. 2. It can provoke allergies or asthma.

When to Inspect for Organic Growth

While most people would like to avoid seeking out an organic growth inspection, there are several reasons to bite the bullet and hire a home inspection service.

Water Damage

Water damage is a common source that leads to organic growth in a space. In cases where a basement floods, a pipe burst, or a roof leak, an organic growth inspection should occur as soon as possible. This is particularly important for areas that don’t dry within 24 to 48 hours. These areas are a frequent source for organic growth to occur.

Organic growth on the wall

Roof Leak

Roofing issues are a source of potential water damage and can quickly result in organic growth. Ensuring that you quickly remedy any outstanding roofing problems can help limit the amount of organic growth that occurs due to a leaky roof.

Purchase of Home or Property

Purchasing a home or property means you have no way of telling what kind of water damage has occurred, if any. That possible water damage could mean organic growth and getting a certified home inspection can confirm if any growth is present.

Unoccupied Home/Property

When a house or property has gone unoccupied for months or years, humidity and moisture could have built up resulting in organic growth. This is particularly relevant for warm and humid regions.

Previous Organic Growth Remediation

Unfortunately, if you’ve already gone through an organic growth inspection, it is critical to have routine organic growth inspections to confirm that the growth is completely gone.

Visible Organic Growth

This one seems straightforward: seek out a home inspection service if you witness something green, blue, black or white stuff growing, you’ll need an organic growth inspection. Unfortunately, because organic growth spreads through spores, this growth may not be limited to just one area. An organic growth inspection can ensure that all areas are carefully examined to eliminate that growth.

Person looking at organic growth on cabinets

Musty Smelling or Unusually Humid Spaces

Humid or musty smelling areas are a great source for organic growth to occur. In some cases, we can smell organic growth, and in those cases, a home inspection service to check for the presence of that growth is crucial. Besides, no one wants to breathe in mold!

Health Issues Related to Mold

There’s a whole slew of health issues that can occur due to organic growth, particularly black mold. These concerns can include:

  • Skin irritation
  • Mold allergies
  • Asthma attacks
  • Pulmonary hemorrhage
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Aspergillosis

Additionally, black mold produces mycotoxins that can lead to toxic mold syndrome in humans. The symptoms associated with toxic mold syndrome include but are not limited to:

  • Sleep issues
  • Confusion
  • Vertigo
  • Mood swings
  • Depression and/or anxiety
  • Concentration issues
  • Metallic taste
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss

And the list goes on. Fortunately, doctors can treat this and cure it over time, but all black mold must be removed from the home or property.

What about prolonged exposure? Lengthy exposure to black mold can have long-term health consequences such as respiratory issues including allergies, and neurological problems. Fortunately, black mold is highly unlikely to kill you, but to avoid health issues, get that inspection.

Preventative Measures

There are several measures that can be taken to avoid organic growth in your home. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Fix any water leaks as soon as possible. This includes burst pipes, roof leaks, flood damage, and any other water damage that may have occurred.
  • Clean and dry any damp or wet areas within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Replace any organic growth or water-damaged items in your home.
  • Clean gutters routinely to prevent water from building up.
  • Ensure all areas that have high levels of moisture are well ventilated. Use a dehumidifier in basements and run air conditioning in the summer to avoid moisture buildup on surfaces.

Organic growth is a serious issue. Spending the time and resources to remediate before it grows out of control can save you thousands of dollars. While organic growth inspections can cost several hundred dollars in some instances, it’s well worth the peace of mind and safety that these inspections offer.

Person cleaning organic growth on walls

Looking for a Home Inspection Service to Check for Organic Growth?

If your home has experienced water damage, your family continues to get sick, or something smells off, it is time to consider an organic growth inspection. Capital Exteriors and Renovations has experienced inspectors who look for potential safety hazards such as mold. Contact us today for your free quote or to book a home or property inspection.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *