The Mold Monster: How to Detect Mold in Your House
Are you worried that mold may be present in your home?
Black mold in the corner of room wall
Here in 2019, it’s estimated that 40 percent of American households have health and safety hazards. Out of these dangers, the presence of mold is one of the most common issues facing homeowners today.
Not only does mold have the ability to make people incredibly sick and worsen allergies, but it can also be lethal. Certain forms of mold such as black mold can shut down organs and incapacitate the immune system. When we consider just how dangerous mold can be, it’s understandable why mold remediation must be taken seriously.
If you’re worried that mold may be present within your home, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering the five most tell-tale signs of mold, as well as outlining how to detect mold in your house.
It’s time to locate the mold within your own home and commence a solid defense line!
1. A Damp and Musty Smell
Have you been noticing a damp smell within your home? When mold is present, many forms of mold give off a smell that is very musty and wet. Some might even notice that it begins to smell like the pages of an old novel. While the smell of mold is certainly an indicator of its presence, it isn’t always a guarantee. After all, not all mold carries the same smell. Some types of mold have a very strong smell whereas other types of mold are far less odorous.
The smell of mold can also differ based on the surface in which it resides. Mold on a clean and dry surface such as a door frame may not become odorous. On the other hand, mold growing on an old carpet may produce a more pungent smell.
2. The Development or Worsening of Allergies
Are you noticing yourself coughing or sneezing more frequently? What about developing an itchy throat or suffering from a constantly running nose?
These are all signs that the presence of mold may be contributing to or even causing the development of allergies. The truth is, some people are more sensitive to mold than others. It’s these people that are likely to experience mold worsening their allergies year-round. However, even those who don’t suffer from allergies can develop allergy-related symptoms as a result of mold.
3. A Simple Visible Appearance
Of course, one of the most simple means of detecting mold is to witness it with the naked eye. With this, it’s important to note that mold can visually present itself in a number of ways. Each different type of mold is known to have a different cause as well as a different level of severity.
The most basic form of mold is what we are used to seeing on organic matter such as food and waste. This type of mold thrives in moist environments such as basements and bathrooms.
Another common type of mold is black mold. While black mold differs in severity, this type of mold can be extremely hazardous to one’s health. This is often a green and black colored mold that presents itself in areas that have been affected by water damage.
4. The Presence of Water Damage and Leaks
It’s no surprise that damp, moist environments are what mold tends to thrive in. When something such as a pipe, a toilet or a roof are leaking, the excess moisture can eventually develop into a mold. Because many of these areas are typically overlooked, the mold continues to grow in size and severity.
This type of problem continues to develop especially in warmer, moist environments. To help counteract this, experts recommend that homeowners keep indoor humidity at or below 60 percent. Temperatures below 60 help to encourage a dry environment that is less appealing to mold.
Another common source of mold occurs from past water damage that has taken place inside of the home. Even if this water damage occurred countless years ago, the possibility of mold may still be apparent. Remember, mold is resilient and can remain strong for many years to come.
5. The Development of Personal Health Symptoms
As we know, the severity of mold can vary just as one’s sensitivity to mold can vary.
While standard mold may cause one’s allergies to worsen, more serious forms of mold can have an even more significant effect on one’s health. For some, this is noticeable in terms of skin inflammation, tiredness, daily nausea and significant mental impairment.
Another common reaction to mold comes in terms of a respiratory issue such as asthma. In fact, people are 40 percent more likely to develop asthma if they live in a mold-infected residence.
If these symptoms present themselves, it’s highly recommended that you have a residential mold inspection and schedule an appointment with your doctor.
The First Line of Defense: How to Detect Mold in your House
It may be nearly impossible to prevent mold from developing in your home in the first place. In fact, locating a home without at least a small trace of mold would be a challenge in and of itself. However, this doesn’t mean that this mold should be normalized and invited to stay.
Even in the event that mold is not detectable by the naked eye, there are other means of detecting mold. From the smell and the development of allergies, to water leaks and condensation, these are all signs that mold may be present.
If you feel that your home may be victim to mold, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Without proper remediation, the presence of mold is sure to grow, and is likely to influence your health and safety.
Are you considering residential mold remediation? If so, visit our website and learn more about how to detect mold in your house and how we can help.