By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
We are currently having a house built and became concerned when we noticed mold on some of the roof rafters. When we pointed this out to the builders, they had the wood surfaces professionally cleaned and chemically treated. But then we asked them for a warranty to cover future mold, and that's where they drew the line. They flatly refused. Should we insist that they provide a warranty in case any mold returns, or is that an unreasonable demand?
--Frank
Dear Frank,
Construction lumber typically has surface mold and mildew due to moisture retention in stacks of wood during storage. This type of mold can be found on the framing members in most attics and is generally not regarded as a significant health hazard. If it remains dry, as is likely within an attic, it should not become active or have further growth.
You are unusually fortunate to have builders willing to address this mold in such a forthright manner. Although the effectiveness of these procedures cannot be guaranteed, this is more than most builders would have been willing to do. So be grateful and don't push too hard. Asking them to provide a written warranty against future mold infection is well beyond the realm of reasonable expectations. It would subject them to unpredictable levels of legal liability and would be strongly discouraged by any prudent business adviser.
In the real world, mold happens. You'll just have to take your chances along with the rest of us. The best way to avoid it is to maintain dry conditions and proper ventilation as much as possible.
Copyright 2006 Barry Stone. Distributed by Inman News.
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