Beware of exterior mold during rainy season

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY—Although we all hope for more rain this winter, the unfortunate downside of the damp weather is the potential for mold growth on the exterior of your home.

While it is common to find black, brown or yellow dots/patches near a leaking sink, toilet or shower inside of the home, it is easy to overlook or underestimate the impact that mold on the roof eaves, deck posts, windows and other exterior home elements can have on our families’ health.

When wooden components reach a saturation point, excess moisture turns to mold. Once this happens, mold spreads in search of water and is easily airborne once dry.

Add high winds into the mix, and you now have proliferating growth in new areas such as a crawl space or attic and eventually your HVAC system. The problem can affect allergies, asthma and compromised immune systems.

Keep any eye out for any mold growth on your home’s exterior. If you find any, a mold inspector can test and advise the next steps for remediation. With mold, it’s better safe than sorry.

Meanwhile, I hope you have been following the progress for our Charity of the Month initiative on our website and may also consider donating to these wonderful organizations.

Scott Denslow is the owner of Safe at Home Inspection Service. He is an InterNACHI and ASHI certified inspector who has 51 five-star ratings on Yelp. Send your home inspection questions or topics you want to see covered to scott@safeathomellc.com. For more information, visit safeathomellc.com.