The Northeast has been hit hard by recent heavy rain storms and flooding. Good Day NY called in mold expert Kevin Hinchey on Wednesday, March 17th to explain what to do if your home has a mold problem.

H&H Environmental has a just started a new photo account on Flickr. Want to see the damage that water and mold can do to a home? Check out these images.

Heavy rain, a burst pipe or flooding can cause more than just water damage to your home. It can lead to mildew and mold growth, which can become a health hazard.

Homeowner property insurance policies range in specific coverage from insurer to insurer. It’s important to read your policy carefully. The language of your property policy and the cause(s) of the mold infestation determine whether the damage is covered. “Specified peril” policies may only cover mold removal if you can prove to the insurer that the damage was caused by a specifically listed cause or “peril”. Other policies are “all risk” policies, which may by default cover mold contamination unless the insurance company can prove that the cause(s) of the mold contamination was actually an excluded cause in the policy.

According to new research from Lund University in Sweden, mold toxins in buildings damaged by moisture are much more dangerous than previously thought. This research has implications for home sellers and buyers, contractors and insurance companies.

Flooding can occur from overflowing river or the result of a heavy storm or hurricane. It can also occur from leaks inside the house or due to freezing pipes. If water seeps into gets the insulation, studs or carpet the dampness can lead to structural damage and mold contamination. Even a small amount of water can cause considerable damage that may cost thousands of dollars to fix.

During the winter, one of the most common home insurance claims is for water damage caused by frozen pipes that have burst. When the temperature drops to freezing, pipes in your home are at potential risk.

Home inspectors are generally not liable to discover defects that are concealed from view. Also, mold may not within the scope of a home inspection.

Water and mold spores are the recipe for home mold infestation, growing in damp places that you may or may not see.

As the number of REO (Real Estate Owned) properties rises, the link between foreclosure and mold keeps growing.