Mold can be very bad for your home, as well as your health. Read more to learn about the top five signs mold may be growing inside your house.
Every homeowner has fears when it comes to repairs and problems associated with the responsibility of owning a home. But, when the problem is mold, things start to look a little bit more complicated.
First, it can be difficult to even detect mold in your home if you can’t directly see or smell it. Second, it can be even more difficult to get rid of, especially if it’s in a large or blocked off area. What’s worse, if you have mold in your house, you could be at risk for health problems.
If you suspect a your house may have a mold problem, or if you’re wondering how to detect it, you’re in the right place. In this article, we discuss some of the most pertinent signs of mold in your house and how to eradicate it! Keep reading to learn more.
5 Signs Mold may be Growing in Your House
There are over a thousand different varieties of mold with black mold being the most common found in households. You may notice that some molds vary in color from brown or green, to blue and pink, and even white. No matter what type of mold it is, you need to get it out of your home as soon as possible.
Mold is not always easily detectable. It is most commonly found in basements and bathrooms where condensation and moisture tends to be high. It can also be caused by poorly ventilated dryers, dishwashing machines, flooding or leaks.
Here are five things to consider when searching for mold:
1. Water Leaks or Flooding
If you have ever experienced flooding or a water leak in your home, there is a chance that there is mold growing where the water was. Mold can grow underneath floors and behind paint in your walls. It is commonly found behind the wall near leaky sink pipes.
Watch out for bubbles and cracks in your paint or wallpaper and keep an eye out for bulging or warped walls. This can be a strong indication of mold under the surface. Finally, you can search for water stains or discoloration on your walls, floors, and ceilings which could be a sign that mold is growing behind these areas.
2. Condensation
If you notice condensation on your doors and windows, it’s a sure sign of moisture in your home which will inevitably lead to mold. Condensation is also an indication of high humidity in your home. Humid environments are breeding grounds for mold because they need moisture to grow and thrive.
Consider investing in a dehumidifier. A good dehumidifier will allow you to set the desired humidity level in your home so that you can eliminate the dampness. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to have a mold inspection done to find and eradicate any mold that has grown due to the wet environment.
3. Health Symptoms
Mold sickness is just one of the signs of mold exposure but it can be severe in some cases. Especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma, mold can enhance your symptoms to the point that you actually feel sick.
One way to test the theory is to spend some time outside of your home and see if the symptoms persist. If your symptoms ease when you’re away, this is a good sign of mold in your house. Symptoms to watch out for include runny or itchy nose and watery eyes. Coughing, sneezing, and skin irritations may also occur.
4. Strange Odors
One of the strongest indications of mold is a musty, earthy odor. If your house is closed up for a few days and then reopened, you may be able to smell mold in your home.
Remember, you may not always be able to see mold so if you think you smell it, it’s a good idea to have a mold inspection done to find out exactly where it’s coming from.
5. Mold Growth
A telltale sign of black mold is the speed in which it grows. Black mold is splotchy, black or brownish in color and spreads like wildfire. If you see even a small patch of black mold, it’s important to take action right away.
Other molds that you may see growing include green, blue, and pink mold. White mold can be more difficult to detect on walls and ceilings. It looks like fluffy veins crawling out from a center spore.
How to Test for Mold
Mold testing is usually reserved for professionals so if you think you have mold in your home, it’s best to contact a licensed inspector to find it for you. He or she will use a specialized mold test kit in areas of your home where mold would be most likely to grow.
You can get mold test kits on your own, but they are a bit costly. If you don’t know how to use them correctly, you may not be able to find the mold even if it’s there.
Final Thoughts
The best thing you can do for mold in your house is to eliminate any moisture or leaks. Fixing leaks alone may not solve the problem. Mold will grow anywhere moisture is present, so it’s important to make sure all water has been dried and removed from the area of a leak after it has been fixed.
Even though very small amounts of mold may be cleaned up using a 50/50 bleach and water mixture, attempting to remove mold on your own is not recommended and can cause the spores to spread to other unaffected areas. If you do attempt to clean up small areas of mold growth, be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling mold spores. For larger problems, it is very important to call in a mold remediation company for help. They can locate and eliminate the mold as well as offer you tips and advice to help prevent it from coming back.
If you have more questions or are concerned about a mold problem in your home, feel free to contact us! We have over 70 years of combined experience in disaster recovery services.