Blog Layout

Mold Growth Caused By Foundation Damage

While homeownership is an exciting & rewarding thing, it also comes with a huge amount of responsibility. Home maintenance is one of those big responsibilities. Louisiana homeowners understand how tedious it can be keeping up with home maintenance tasks. However, it is an important part of being a homeowner, as it allows your home to be a safe & comfortable environment for you & your family. A huge part of your home maintenance routine that may be getting overlooked is foundation maintenance. Whether it be cracks in the foundation, or unexpected water damage in your crawl space, it is important that Louisiana homeowners are vigilant & prepared for any issues that may impact their foundation & other parts of their properties. The first step to detecting foundation damage is awareness. Knowing what to look for - and actually looking for it - could keep your home from experiencing severe foundation damage. Early detection paired with ongoing foundation maintenance can save Louisiana homeowners a great deal of time, money & energy in the long run, minimizing the risk of long term foundation damage. 

Be Aware Of The Effects Of Foundation Damage

Your Louisiana home may be subject to an array of environmental issues that could lead to foundation damage & water intrusion if you do not continuously maintain your foundation to ensure it is in good condition. Extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, & even the expanding & contracting of the environment surrounding your home can have an effect on your foundation & foundation walls. This is why it’s so important for Louisiana homeowners to regularly monitor the condition of their foundation walls. Regular maintenance of your home’s foundation will allow you to detect issues when they occur, rather than allowing them to sit for extended periods of time. Unaddressed foundation damage can allow water intrusion into the home leaving homeowners with not only a damaged foundation, but also potential mold & moisture damage issues throughout the home. Severe water damage issues such as water seeping through cracks in your foundation walls need to be addressed promptly in order to protect your home, minimize damage & prevent costly repairs in the future.

Safety Implications Of A Damaged Home Foundation

Over time, foundation damage & indoor moisture buildup can lead to a variety of problems throughout your home:

  • Diminished property value
  • Severe property damage
  • Compromised structural integrity
  • Deteriorated building materials 
  • Health & safety hazards 
  • Severe indoor mold growth

Louisiana homeowners should be promptly addressing signs of potential foundation issues before they worsen, leading to more problems for your home. As previously mentioned, early detection & intervention is key when it comes to foundation damage repairs & maintenance. 

Indoor Mold Growth Caused By Foundation Problems

When moisture penetrates through the walls of your foundation, entering your home through the crawl space, it can be severely damaging to your home if it isn’t effectively dried out. Mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours. While the concrete walls of your foundation may not be ideal for mold development, susceptible materials such as wood or drywall that come into contact with wet concrete can quickly develop fungal growth. Additionally, water intrusion through your foundation walls can cause the relative humidity of your crawl space to lead to mold development, and may even affect other areas of your home. With spring right around the corner here in Louisiana, it’s extra important for homeowners to be aware of the condition of their home’s foundation. The warmer weather can be an additional catalyst for potential foundation damage, water intrusion & excess indoor humidity. If you are concerned that your home is experiencing water damage or mold development due to a damaged foundation, contact a local professional mold inspection & remediation company in your Acadiana, LA area today to assess the damage & develop a plan for repair. 

You might also like

DryMax Mold Blogs

Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living

By Thomas Duff • February 20, 2024
Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living

Navigating Mold Damage Insurance Claims in Louisiana

By Thomas Duff • February 5, 2024
Mold Damage and Insurance Coverage in Louisiana When it comes to homeowners insurance in Louisiana, coverage for mold damage hinges on the source of the mold and the specific provisions in the insurance policy. For instance, mold removal is typically covered when the source of the mold is a peril already covered in homeowners insurance policies in Louisiana, such as water damage from burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances. However, it's important to note that mold damage from natural disasters or homeowner negligence is usually not covered by homeowners insurance in Louisiana. An example of this is when a homeowner experiences water damage from a burst pipe, and this leads to mold growth in their home. In this scenario, the mold removal would likely be covered because the source of the mold (water damage) is a peril already covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy in Louisiana. On the other hand, if the mold is a result of long-term neglect of a leaking pipe, it may not be covered under the policy. Some homeowners insurance companies have gone as far as dropping coverage for mold altogether in Louisiana, making it crucial for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policies and seek professional advice to ensure they fully understand their coverage. This underscores the significance of homeowners being proactive in understanding the extent of their coverage and taking steps to prevent mold growth in their properties. Understanding the nuances of mold damage coverage under homeowners insurance in Louisiana is essential for homeowners in safeguarding their properties. It's imperative to review insurance policies diligently and seek professional help if facing a mold damage claim , especially in cases where claims have been denied or underpaid based on mold exclusions.

The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana

By Thomas Duff • January 31, 2024
The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana The article explores the impact of mold on property values in Louisiana, discussing how mold can cause structural damage, health issues, and decrease the desirability of properties, while also providing tips for prevention and remediation. Understanding Mold and Its Effects on Property Values Mold's impact on property values in the Louisiana real estate market is multifaceted and can have significant repercussions for both buyers and sellers. When mold infestation occurs, it can result in a myriad of issues that affect the value of a property. From causing structural damage to diminishing aesthetic appeal, increasing maintenance costs, and impacting market desirability, the presence of mold can lead to a decrease in property value. For example, the discovery of mold in a home can lead to potential buyers negotiating for a lower price to account for the costs of addressing the mold issue and the perceived decrease in the property's value. The potential health implications of mold infestation are a pivotal factor in understanding its impact on property values. Long-term exposure to mold can lead to persistent sinusitis, respiratory infections, and even brain disorders, affecting the desirability and value of a property. For instance, if a property has a history of mold infestation leading to health issues for previous occupants, it can significantly reduce its appeal and market value, as potential buyers may be deterred by the health risks associated with mold exposure.
Share by: