The news of the mildest winter on record in some time did not make me think of Kudzu bugs that were not killed off in severe frosts and cold weather. Instead, as an Atlanta construction lawyer, I thought that a mild winter could lead to a warmer than average spring, summer, and fall. The Atlanta construction attorney in me thought the formula: warm weather plus poor construction equals mold plus even slight dampness EQUALS MOLD!
In my Atlanta construction law firm, I handle mainly construction defects. However, the nature and type of defect vary. I have seen an increase in the number of cases that involve mold in newer homes. This seems to be more prevalent due to the boom in construction that occurred several years ago. Inevitably, with the passage of time problems are surfacing in these homes. In newer construction, mold is usually caused by a construction defect that falls within one of four categories. The first is design. Design defects occur when architects or engineers fail to follow code and design a sub-standard structure. Material defects are in the second category and involve the use of inferior or inappropriate building materials. Workmanship defects are in the third category and can include issues that arise from work by an inexperienced contractor or by a builder that knowingly cuts corners during construction. Subsurface defects are the fourth category and result from poor preparation of the soil on the property where the home is built.
Design, workmanship and material defects can be present in most areas of the home. Subsurface defects, on the other hand, mostly affect the building’s foundation. In the end, a compromised foundation can affect many parts of the home’s interior, such as bathroom tile surrounds, walls, ceilings and flooring. Issues in design, workmanship or material can cause defective tile work, but cracked tile may also be the result of a problem with the foundation or sub-floor. Regardless of the reason, broken tile and grout can allow moisture behind the tile face. This is when mold can gain a foothold. It is not always possible to visually confirm the presence of mold, so careful examination of all tile work is recommended, especially in bathrooms and areas with high water usage, such as kitchens and laundry rooms.
Faulty installation of water pipes can also cause mold issues. Pipes that are out of sight under sinks or behind walls can be difficult to inspect. When pipes are leaking that carry grey or black water from kitchen and bathroom fixtures, the results can be hazardous to the health of household members. Defective roofing is another cause of water leaks and the development of a mold problem. Any mold issue that stems from the design, material, workmanship or site preparation can cause severe issues that require quick resolution. One of the first steps is to ask a professional to inspect the affected area and determine a cause. An experienced Atlanta, Georgia construction attorney can help you locate the proper person to evaluate the situation.
Should you feel that you are or might be the victim of faulty construction or other factors that lead to production of mold, our Firm would be glad to be of service to you. The Atlanta, Georgia home defect attorneys at The Libby Law Firm are interested in rectifying your home construction defect issues. Our Atlanta, Georgia home defect attorneys are experienced in identifying the responsible party in construction defect cases and will ensure that your rights are defended. Call us today if you suspect that a construction defect is damaging your home at (404) 467-8611.
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