Harwich Mold Removal

Without the ocean surrounding us, Cape Cod just wouldn’t seem like such a magical place to call home, would it? While it’s the ocean’s beauty that draws so many here, living on what is essentially an island means that we have higher humidity levels than are found in inland areas. With higher humidity comes a greater chance of unwanted mold.

For some people, mold is simply an unsightly black or green stain on the walls in the basement or bathroom which needs to be swiped away from time to time. But for others, living or working in a home or business with mold can lead to a variety of medical issues. Studies have shown that mold exposure symptoms can range from sinus pressure and coughing to more severe medical problems such as muscle and joint pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue and memory loss.

It’s not uncommon for mold to thrive unseen; in insulation behind walls, in crawlspaces and attics, and under sinks and carpeting. You also can’t see airborne mold spores. So even if you can’t see mold, it’s possible for it be present and to experience its negative health effects.

The three mold types most commonly found on Cape Cod, and in nearby towns on the South Shore and South Coast such as Scituate, Duxbury and Plymouth, are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Mold is able to thrive in virtually any home, regardless of its age or design. Incorporated in 1694, Harwich is one of the older towns on Cape Cod and many historic homes remain throughout the town. Harwich also saw an enormous population growth – and with it, a building boom – in the late 1990s. It was also in the ‘90s that great rooms, which often include cathedral ceilings, became popular.

So what does all this mean to a Harwich homeowner? If you live in Harwich, chances are there’s something about your home, in addition to its proximity to water, that will foster mold growth.

Stachybotrys, which thrives on the paper lining used on the front and back of Sheetrock, is a concern with all homes built after WWII when it began to be widely used. All of the mold types in our area can grow in fiberglass insulation; newer homes have more insulation, so there is a greater potential health hazard. And while a new, draft-free home is more energy-efficient, insufficient circulation can lead to a higher mold level. Cathedral ceilings – a signature architectural element in great room – are perhaps the most surprising culprit in mold growth. Where this is no attic, there is often a lack of circulation. If you own an antique home in Harwich, you own a piece of Cape Cod history. You also own a home that was built long before building codes, which address circulation concerns, were enacted.

If you see mold growing in your home, or if you suspect someone in your home or business is suffering from toxic mold symptoms, even without mold being visually apparent, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a mold inspection. We’ll do a thorough mold assessment and, if found, present you with a personal mold control and remediation plan. Mold Pros offers green options for killing mold and financing options are also available.