Beneath the surface of people’s homes, invisible hazards may lurk. Unseen, unnoticed, and more harmful than many can imagine, these are not the stuff of horror movies – they’re mold infestations. They can strike anywhere, anytime, reducing property value and even endangering health. But how can homeowners defend against an enemy they cannot see?
In the heart of New York City, a disaster restoration expert named Neil Roman confronts this insidious invader daily. Roman’s vast experience reveals an alarming truth: mold is far more commonplace than people think, and its damaging effects are widely underestimated.
Over the years, Roman has witnessed everything from minor mold disturbances to extensive, property-devastating invasions. What amplifies the problem is the lack of understanding about mold coverage among homeowners. A homeowner might be fully insured against water damage but completely unprotected against mold.
“Mold coverage is typically an extra feature, and most people don’t have it. They have 100% coverage for water damage but not for mold,” Roman says. “If you don’t specifically request mold coverage, you won’t have it on your plan.”
One case that Roman had worked on particularly stands out. He was called in to inspect a house with signs of water damage, and to the casual observer, the home appeared normal. But, Roman’s trained eye caught something amiss. A slight instability in the flooring was a hint of a deeper issue.
“I suspected there was water behind the wall, so I decided to investigate further,” Roman shares.
His investigation led him to tear down the wallpaper, finally revealing the antagonist: an extensive mold infestation, hidden and unchecked. “The homeowner wasn’t aware of the issue because it was hidden behind wallpaper. They only realized something was wrong when the floor started to feel unstable.”
Highlighting an uncomfortable reality, Roman states that an unsympathetic insurance provider worsened the homeowner’s situation. “The insurer refused to cover the restoration costs because mold coverage wasn’t included in the homeowner’s policy. Personally, I wasn’t surprised, but it really burned a hole in the client’s pocket.”
As if the situation couldn’t be worse, Roman points out that insurance companies also shy away from covering damage caused by any sort of long-term leaks, and if there are multiple leak sources, providers are likely to view them as separate issues, resulting in multiple claims and multiple deductibles.
This is why Roman advises people to think hard before making a claim since, even if there is no compensation involved, each claim goes against one’s record.
“Multiple claims could result in increased insurance premiums or difficulty securing coverage in the future because the company might perceive you as a high-risk client,” Roman explains.
Despite the strained relationship between homeowners and insurance providers, Roman and his team are always ready to fight the good fight. Having undergone specialized training in dealing with water damage and mold, they are well-equipped to tackle this complex challenge.
Moreover, Roman has taken the additional role of an advocate, determined to help homeowners negotiate with the insurance companies for the best outcome.
Still, understanding mold’s impact goes beyond property damage. It sheds light on unseen hazards that can impact people’s lives and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage to protect homes. Here, the mission of experts like Roman becomes invaluable—shining a light on the dangers and providing a path to restoration and peace of mind.
As Roman says, “Protecting our homes is not just about what we can see. It’s also about understanding what hides beneath the surface and taking proactive steps to address it.”
