5 Common Signs You Have Mold in Your House
We’ve all been told about the dangers of black mold. We know it can irritate allergies, cause fungal infections, and even cause the onset of life-threatening health conditions if left untreated. While some mold infestations are visibly apparent, others can be more difficult to spot. Today, we’re sharing five signs you have mold in your house, and how you can take care of it right away.
1. Musty Odors
While not every kind of mold spore will produce an odor, most of them are foul-smelling. If you sniff the air, does it seem moldy or mildewy? These scents are usually sour in nature, similar to what you might smell if you left a towel in the washing machine for too long.
Even if you can access and remove the mold yourself, it’s best to call a local mold remediation team to identify and remediate the outbreak for you. For every spore you can see, there could be plenty more hiding behind the surface.
2. Visible Mold
There are many different types of mold. Some might appear long and white, growing in stringy, thread-like designs. Others can be much darker and clustered into collections of round, black dots.
Color-wise, mold can take on a wide variety of hues. The most prominent ones are black, white, yellow, green, or gray. However, if the spores get trapped behind a type of floor or wall covering (e.g. vinyl), then they can appear orange, purple, or pink.
3. Damp Environment
Take a look at your window frames. Now, check your pipes. Do you notice excess moisture pooling around those areas?
If so, then this could be a sign that the relative humidity in your home is higher than it needs to be. While a dehumidifier can help balance those levels out, persistent moisture is an ideal breeding ground for mold. A mold remediation specialist can help you eliminate the issue and suggest ways to prevent it from occurring again.
Sometimes, a step as simple as resealing your windows or swapping outdated single-pane ones for more secure, double-pane ones, can make a world of difference.
4. Physical Health Symptoms
If you’re allergic to mold, then you may begin experiencing symptoms shortly after exposure. From a runny nose and headache to persistent dizziness and even memory loss, these physical signs can vary in nature and severity.
Isolated from the risk of mold, these conditions could simply suggest that you’re coming down with a cold. However, if you notice that you only feel unwell at home, then it could be mold.
5. Known Water Damage
If water damage occurs in your home, then you may notice discoloration on your floors, walls, and ceiling. The longer that the water is allowed to sit stagnant in one area, the worse the damage will become.
In addition to water stains, you may also notice that your wallpaper or paint is becoming warped, bubbly, or cracked. Mold could be lurking underneath those surfaces, so it’s time to call in an expert.
Know the Signs You Have Mold in Your House
Certain types of mold can be toxic, so it’s important to fully remove the spores and make sure they don’t come back again. Now that you know how to recognize the signs you have mold in your house, you can take preventative action to keep your home as safe as possible.
If you need mold remediation services, we’re here to help. Give us a call today and rest a little easier tonight.
