A CAUTION TO BUILDERS, MOLD!

Courts are awarding big bucks to plaintiffs who are suing builders in California and other states for negligence in erecting homes and offices that later become havens for toxic mold.  Litigants claim mold causes serious health problems, including deafness.  Emphasis on quality workmanship can avert lawsuilts.  Tight seals around windows, doors and roofs are critical to preventing water leaks that can cause mold to grow.  Make sure crews don�t resort to shortcuts.  Foundations and slabs should be treated with impermeable water barriers.  

 PUTTING A HOLD ON MOLD IN YOUR HOME

Have you ever walked into a room that has a musty or earthy odor?  You probably smell mold.  At times, you can see mold in your home.  More often, you are unable to see mold that is causing an odor. If you can see or smell mold in your home, it�s time to take action to remove it and prevent it from returning.

What Conditions Invite Mold To Grow?

     Mold growth is common in damp or water-damaged 
areas of the home.  You should be concerned if your 
home has had: a flood, a sewer back-up, an overflowing 
toilet, leaking pipes, roof leaks, window leaks, humidifiers 
and any other water-related problems.

 Prevent Mold From Taking Hold.

Once materials become wet, mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours.  Take these precautions to prevent moisture from causing a mold problem in your home.

•      Vacuum and clean regularly to remove possible sources of mold growth.  Pay special attention to bathrooms and other areas of your home that are likely to generate a lot of moisture.

•     In portions of your home that are susceptible to moisture, use area rugs or washable floor surfaces rather than wall-to-wall carpeting.  If you use area rugs, launder them periodically

• Do not store materials such as paper, books, clothes, or other possible sources of food for mold in humid parts of your home.

• Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. If your refrigerator and freezer doors do not seal properly, moisture can build up and mold can flourish. Remove any mold on the door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets.

• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris 

• Make sure that clothing dryers are vented to the outdoors.

• Consider using a dehumidifier if you have a basement.

• Properly insulate and ventilate the attic of your home.

The growth of any type of mold in a home is never acceptable.  Your safest course of action is to treat all molds with caution and remove them from your home as soon as possible.  For more information  visit www.moldtips.com, a consumer information web site provided by the NAHB.

2003 SPRING BANQUET

What: HBAA Spring Banquet
When: Friday May 9^th 2003
Where: Windber Country Club

Time: Cocktails at 6:30, dinner at 7:30pm
Cost: $25 per member couple and $40 per nonmember couple

R.S.V.P. by 4/25/03

BOTH THE BUILDER MEMBER OF THE YEAR AND THE ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE BANQUET.

 SPRING BANQUET REGISTRATION

Make checks payable to:
Home Builders Association of the Alleghenies

Clip and Mail to:     Mike Murray
                                   111 San Street
                                                Johnstown, PA 715904

 Name _____________________________________

Number Attending___________________
Amount Enclosed__________ __________