Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
Posted on Thu, Jul 14, 2011
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, mold spores are present everywhere. Mold growth is most prolific in warm, damp weather, but high indoor moisture levels and poor ventilation can contribute to mold growth any time of year. Most molds are not hazardous if you are healthy. Too much exposure to most molds, however, may cause asthma or hay fever, or worsen other existing symptoms, according to experts.
Even when mold in your home does not cause health problems, it establishes itself in the wood of your home, causing "dry rot." This can quickly turn a homeowners worst nightmare into a devastating reality.
Insurance companies typically consider mold damage a home maintenance problem—and consequently, it is excluded from standard home insurance policies, which cover mold damage only as a result of a covered peril, such as a burst pipe. In such cases, some policies provide $10,000 or more for mold damage. Mold caused by water from humidity, leaks, condensation or flooding is excluded from coverage.
To help reduce the potential for mold, provide adequate air circulation and reduce moisture levels in mold-prone areas, such as basements and storage areas. Avoid storing items directly against walls in potentially damp areas, which restricts air circulation and trap moisture against surfaces.
Since prevention is always the best way to keep a home fit, the following tips can avoid the potential health and financial burdens associated with mold.
- Repair or reseal roof flashings when damaged or worn.
- Clean gutters regularly.
- Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation of your house.
- Pipe downspout water discharge points away from the foundation.
- Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
- Check the condition of all water piping, fittings, and fixtures periodically.
- Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes, dryers to the outside.
- Keep indoor humidity low. Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
- Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever showering or cooking for extended periods.
- Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical.
- Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
- Add a moisture barrier over dirt floors in crawlspaces.
- Make sure attics and crawlspaces are vented properly.
- If you see condensation or moisture collecting on surfaces, act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.
Mold can be an unwelcome visitor in any home because of its unsanitary and unsightly nature. Make sure to follow these steps in order to avoid the threat of mold in your house.