Having any form of mold in your home can cause serious damage to both your home and your physical health. Because mold spores are microscopic and can enter your home in several different ways, it can be difficult to locate the problem area. Here, we will outline the best practices to detect mold in your home and what your next step should be once you have found the issue.
Allergy-like symptoms
If you are experiencing allergy-like symptoms, this may be caused by exposure to mold. Common physical reactions to mold include a running nose, sneezing, congestion, and sore eyes. Though these symptoms are commonplace for those with severe seasonal allergies, experiencing these symptoms while inside your home may be an indicator of hidden mold.
Strange Odor
Even if you are not able to see mold in your home, it will surely give off an odor as it grows. The odor may differ depending on the type of mold but it will likely give off a musty smell caused by the gasses released into the air from the mold.
Physical Qualities
Mold can appear in a variety of ways. It often has a fuzzy, leathery texture and spotty appearance depending on how developed it is. The mold’s color can vary, most often appearing black, green or white.
Checking for Moisture
Many older homes have significant moisture issues that become a breeding ground for mold. Some obvious signs of water damage include discoloration on walls and ceilings, water stains, and surface area moisture. Furthermore, you are likely to have a mold issue if there is a leak in any of your pipes even if there isn’t any visible water damage. If your home had any previous flooding, there could be mold growing in the affected areas.
Where to Look
The first place you should look for possible mold build-up is your basement, as most basements generally have several pipes and little sunlight. Basements are often not built with as much attentiveness as the rest of a home and are vulnerable to water damage, leaks, and other moisture issues. Other places around the house that you should check for mold are behind and under appliances such as your washer and dryer, windows, vent ducts, bathroom tile, between floorboards, and any other closed spaces that are capable of trapping moisture.
What to do if you find mold
Dealing with mold in your home should be done with caution. Because of the possible long-term property damage and health risks, we recommend seeking professional help in any case of mold growth. See our mold removal page to read more about the mold removal services we provide.
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