Once mold begins to grow in a structure, it needs to be addressed and removed as soon as possible. The longer you let mold inhibit your home or building, the more mold that’ll grow, and the further it’ll spread. At the first signs of mold, you’ll want to act fast, but how will you know if mold is present?
In many instances, mold starts growing in hidden places that the naked eye can’t see. This might be behind walls, in air vents, or under sink cabinets. Our guide on how to tell if you have mold will teach you how to spot mold before it begins to grow in visible areas throughout the home or building.
Mold in walls and mold in ceilings are no match for you when you have this guide in your back pocket. Continue reading below for everything you need to know!
Cracked or Peeling Paint
Visible damages to the paint on the walls or ceiling could be a sign of mold. Cracked, peeling, or lifted/bubbling paint are all signs that moisture could be stuck behind the paint. When moisture’s present, it creates a perfect environment for mold.
Discoloration in the paint is another sign to look for. These signs all point to water damage. If you notice any of these signs, then take a closer look at the damaged area.
If you look closely, you might see small mold spores in the area. Even though the mold spores seem small, that doesn’t mean your mold issue is. This could be a sign that there’s much more mold growing behind the wall, and it’s just now making it’s way to the surface.
Musty Odor in the Home
A musty smell when you come home after a long day at work, or when you return to your building after being away for a while is another sign of mold. You’ve most likely experienced smelling mold at least once in your life.
Maybe you left the clothes in the washer overnight and got a whiff of musty odors when you opened the lid. Maybe you left your car windows cracked overnight, and it rained. When you got into your car the next morning, it smelt musty.
Your nose might become nose blind to the musty smells in your home or other building. If you spend the day outside of the structure and come back after a few hours, then you’ll most likely pick up on the smell. This could mean mold is hidden somewhere.
Recent or Past Water Leaks
If your home or building is known to have a few water leaks here and there or has had a leak or flood recently, then you’ll want to be on the lookout for mold. Having a water leak or flood doesn’t automatically mean there’s mold.
If the water issue was addressed and corrected and the water was cleaned up properly, then you might not have any problems with mold. However, floods and leaks are two main causes of mold.
Once water absorbs into furniture, flooring, walls, ceiling structures, and other parts of a structure, it can begin to grow mold on it. Ceiling leak mold might start on the other side of the ceiling and then work its way out and down the walls. Check all areas that have been affected by water damage for signs of mold.
Visible Mold Spores
Mold normally lingers behind the walls or ceilings, but there are times when mold is visible. In most cases, visible mold means the issue has gotten worse, so it’s best to discover it before it’s visible. Still, you should know how to detect visible signs of mold as well.
When you think of an image of mold, you probably picture black fuzzy spores. This isn’t wrong, but mold comes in all sorts of colors. It can be pink, orange, dark brown, black, and more.
Watch out for all different colors of mold. If you see a growth of something that isn’t supposed to be there, then you’ll want to take it seriously no matter what color it is.
Feeling Sick in Your Home
Do you feel sick every time you spend a few hours inside your own home or building? Over time, mold can make you sick. Some people won’t have much of a reaction at all.
Because of this, it’s easy to write it off as normal allergy symptoms. However, your home shouldn’t make you sick. If your allergies get worse while inside your home, then it’s time to start inspecting.
Others, with respiratory difficulties, will have even more trouble while in contact with mold. The mold spores can worsen respiratory issues and can become quite serious for some.
Positive Mold Test
Discovering and positively identifying mold on your own might not be the easiest task. If you’re not trained in mold identification and removal, then you’ll want to consider calling the professionals.
The professionals can conduct a mold test in your home or building to determine if mold is present or not. A positive mold test is a sure sign that you have a mold problem. You’ll then be able to speak with the professionals about the best next step to take.
Learn How to Tell If You Have Mold Problems Today
To keep yourself and your home or other structure safe and healthy, you need to know how to tell if you have mold problems. This guide above is a great first step. Read through each sign of mold and be sure to check each one off the list as you inspect your home or building.
For more topics on real estate and home and business products and services, be sure to check back with us on a regular basis.
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