Your home may harbor a large mold colony without you even knowing. However, you can expect mold growth if you have a water problem in your home, such as leaks, high humidity or condensation. Moreover, there are several clues for mold growth that you should be aware of. Here’s how to tell if your home has a mold problem:
- Musty smell — Mold releases a pungent, musty odor. Since mold may hide in unseen areas of a home, the musty smell may often be the only clue of mold growth. Take action immediately as soon as you sense the musty odor. Try to look for mold in hidden areas, such as within walls or behind wallpaper, or hire a mold removal company to perform a thorough inspection. The longer you wait, the worse the problem becomes.
- Visible signs of mold — Mold will also grow in clearly visible areas that are rich in humidity or that were affected by water damage. In homes, mold can have multiple colors — black, gray-brown, gray-green or white. Bathrooms, basements, and attics are some of the most common places in a home where mold can grow. In the bathroom, mold can often be seen on grout and it’s easy to distinguish from soap scum due to its greenish-black color. Mold in the basement and attic may be more difficult to spot, but keep in mind that mold takes hold of the dampest surfaces.
- Mold exposure symptoms — Although mold may not be visible in a home, the presence of mold can often be felt through several symptoms. Mold-sensitive individuals may exhibit allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy eyes, and more), asthmatic symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath), as well as irritant reactions that are similar to allergy symptoms. If you experience these symptoms in your home, it’s likely that your home is infested with mold.
- Water problems — Areas with high humidity levels, condensation problems, water leaks or past flooding are prone to mold growth. Mold can grow quickly on most surfaces if the water/dampness problem isn’t fixed immediately. For instance, mold may appear in the first 24-48 hours after a flood. Have these water problems fixed as soon as possible to prevent mold from spreading and causing structural and health problems.
Once you know that your home has a mold problem, don’t wait. Hire a reputable mold removal company that can bring your home back to pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently. Be proactive in preventing mold growth in your home by following these tips. For mold remediation service and flood water damage repair, contact your local PuroClean office.
