What is mold?

Mold is a fungus. The fungus most people are most familiar with are mushrooms. Unlike mushrooms with produce mushroom caps that rise out of the ground to produce spores, molds produce little hair like structures that grow up off of the mold’s food source and release spores. Molds live on and eat any dead organic matter. Unfortunately, that means that molds can live on and eat the wood that makes up a building and anything in the building that contains organic matter, like drywall which usually has a paper outer surface. If allowed to grow for an extended period of time, mold can actually damage the structure of a building.

Molds also create a health problem for building occupants. The spores molds release into the air can cause people to have an allergic reaction including congestion and sneezing, can trigger and aggravate asthma, can cause skin rashes, and can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, mold can cause fungal infections, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or allergic fungal sinusitis.

Molds can only grow in a building if there is sufficient moisture (water). As a result, if excessive mold is growing in a home, there is likely a water problem in the building, often water leaking into the building somewhere. Mold growth is a good sign that there is a larger problem and that the building should be evaluated by a professional.

Other Construction Defect FAQs:

• How does South Carolina law protect home purchasers?
• How long do I have to file a suit against the developer or builder for my home?
• How long does a construction lawsuit last?
• How much will a construction lawsuit cost me?
• I did not purchase my home or condo directly from the builder. Do I still have a claim against the builder?
• If I sue my builder, can I continue living in my home or condo while the lawsuit is ongoing?
• If I sue my builder, will I have to go to court?
• If my warranty has expired, does that mean I no longer have a claim against the developer or contractors?
• If the builder or developer that sold me my home, townhome, or condo is no longer in business or is bankrupt, can I still recover for construction defects?
• Is arbitration mandatory?
• What are signs that foundation or settlement problems exist in my home?
• What are signs that problems exist in the walls of my home?
• What are signs that roof problems exist in my home?
• What are signs that water leak problems exist in my home?
• What are signs that window or window leak problems exist in my home?
• What are some of the potential construction problems in roofs?
• What are some of the potential construction problems in walls?
• What are some of the potential construction problems related to foundations, soil, and settlement?
• What are some of the potential construction problems related to windows and window leaks?
• What are some potential construction problems related to water leaks?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of arbitration?
• What compensation can I get from a lawsuit for construction defects?
• What duty does a homeowner’s association have in relation to construction defects?
• What if the builder says there is no problem with my home?
• What is a class action?
• What is a construction defect?
• What is arbitration?
• What is flashing?
• What is mildew?
• What is mold?
• What is wood rot?
• What role do homeowner’s associations play in addressing construction defects?
• What should I do if I find a construction defect?
• Where does The Steinberg Law Firm handle construction cases?
• Who can sue for a problem in a townhome or condominium?
• Who is responsible and liable for a construction defect?
• Why do I need to hire a lawyer experienced in construction issues?
• Why should I worry about construction problems when my builder gave me a warranty?