video-Mold problems can hit newer homes

[Guest guest]

KSTP.com - Saint ,MN

http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S19720.html?cat=1

Leitschuh could never have guessed the problems her only 12-

year-old house has in its walls.

" And if you touch it...it's completely rotten, completely wet, " she

said.

It all started in 's home office where she noticed a small leak

in her ceiling.

" Where we were thinking the damage was in the [office], it was not, "

she said.

The majority of the damage is upstairs in her bedroom, where the

walls are damp to the touch. She's going to have to replace a big

chunk of the wall at a cost of over $5,000. Insurance won't cover

mold, and the home's warranty is up.

" We're caught between a rock and a hard place, and it's very

frustrating, " said.

Local experts say mold in newer developments is a common problem

because of faulty construction. In this case, a J-Channel to divert

rain away from the siding was never installed so year after year,

rain seeped into the walls.

The best advice for mold problems: Investigate your home prior to

warranty deadlines and document everything. Make sure to find the

full extent of the damage. And finally, don't rely on city

inspectors alone. Like with 's home, they can and did miss a

problem that will now cost thousands to fix.

" And you can't just walk away from it and you can't sell it..., "

said.

Whether your home is old or new, there could be some hidden mold

problems. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS did some digging--here's what you should

look for. First, check your windows for gaps where water could be

coming in or getting trapped.

Next, check your siding or the exterior of your home to make sure

it's secure along with your foundation and drainage system. All the

water should drain away from your home.

Finally, make sure to check your attic for condensation.