Mold rarely shows up right after a building is finished. It often appears months or years later in hidden places. Inside walls. Under floors. In HVAC ducts. Any place where water leaks and remains trapped.
When construction defects cause these leaks and mold, property owners can sue the general contractor or subcontractors for damages related to the property and their health.
How Construction Defects Cause Mold
Mold needs water to grow. Certain construction defects feed that growth through unwanted moisture buildup.
Common construction problems that cause air quality and mold issues include:
- Improper window or door flashing that allows rainwater in
- Roof defects that allow water into attics and wall spaces
- Inadequate foundation waterproofing or poor outdoor drainage
- Faulty plumbing connections that leak behind walls
- Poor site grading that directs surface water toward buildings
- Incorrectly sized HVAC systems that create condensation inside walls
- Missing or incorrectly installed vapor barriers
Even poorly sealed flashing or missing caulking can let water seep in and cause widespread mold growth over time.
Indoor Air Quality and Health Concerns
Beyond structural damage, mold exposure creates significant health risks for occupants. Inhaling spores can trigger allergic reactions, sinus issues, and breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma. Prolonged exposure may lead to persistent headaches and chronic respiratory problems. It can also trigger neurological symptoms that continue until the person leaves the affected building.
Environmental assessments measure indoor spore levels to pinpoint leaks and determine how far mold has spread. Inspectors compare indoor air samples to outdoor baseline readings. Significantly elevated indoor counts point to active, ongoing moisture problems. Testing can also identify specific mold species. These inspection reports serve as key evidence in legal claims by proving the severity of the contamination and linking it to structural defects and your health issues.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Mold Issues in Construction?
Determining who is at fault depends on who caused the defect and who failed to spot it:
- General contractors that failed to supervise construction/follow building codes
- Subcontractors who performed defective work
- Architects or engineers who created flawed design plans
- Suppliers who provided defective materials that allowed water intrusion
- Property managers who delayed repairs and contributed to ongoing mold growth
Successful mold and air quality claims can provide money for various financial losses. These may include cleanup costs, necessary property repairs, and temporary housing expenses. Additionally, property owners can seek compensation for lost real estate value and medical bills resulting from health issues.
Contact an Experienced Construction Defect Lawyer for Help
Evidence in mold cases disappears quickly because repairs destroy the conditions that prove who was at fault. If you suspect building defects are causing mold in your property, speak with a real estate attorney and an inspector before starting repairs to protect key evidence.
If your Texas property has mold problems caused by construction defects, you should contact an experienced construction defect attorney for help understanding your legal options. Porter Law Firm can help explain your rights. Call now to schedule a consultation.