PIA West To Hold Mold Damage Summit

The Professional Insurance Agents Western Alliance said it will hold a session Jan. 12 in Seattle on systems and technology for proactive handling of mold and water damage claims.

PIA West said the meeting at the Doubletree Suites Southcenter will address the issue of reducing claims due to moisture damage, a problem that costs insurance companies, contractors, realtors, lenders and consumers billions of dollars each year.

The organization said it has done research and found that technology exists that could save these groups billions of dollars a year.

"When this technology is utilized before property is insured, claims for moisture problems become manageable," said Clark Sitzes, PIA West executive vice president.

"When builders implement this moisture management system, liability claims decline. Many of the health claims associated with mold exposure can be reduced. Even properties that have experienced previous water or mold problems can be evaluated to determine if the issue has been eradicated properly, said Mr. Sitzes.

"This type of moisture management system also can reduce costly legislation and government intervention," he added.

The companies, Mold Technologies and Core Environmental Corporation, that developed this revolutionary process and the underlying technology, will make presentations at the meeting.

PIA West is not using the meeting to "sell" this moisture management technology, Mr. Sitzes added. "Our goal is to provide information that will increase understanding of the nature of mold and water intrusion and to build awareness about the preventive steps that can be taken by these groups to reduce exposure to losses resulting from moisture damage."

PIA West said the summit will provide a forum for participants to begin developing policies that will lead to a standardization of the moisture management process around the nation.