Finding mold damage isn’t as easy as it sounds. Certainly, in some cases you will be able to see the mold growth. But by the time you can see it, that typically means it has been growing for quite some time. You may not always be able to pinpoint a mold issue before it becomes a visual problem, but there are absolutely some signs that you can look for that are common indicators of mold growth or mold risks.
In this guide, we will cover the signs of mold damage.
Odor Is the First Sign
Mold often produces a musty odor when it begins to grow. If you’re noticing signs of musty odors, this could mean you have mold growing somewhere. But how do you find it from here? See if you can pinpoint roughly where the odors are stemming from first.
Look for signs of water damage or excessive moisture, as those are your most likely culprits. If you can follow your nose, you’re probably going to find mold eventually. And if your nose doesn’t find it for you, call in professionals who can help assess the situation. If there is mold, they can typically find it.
Do You Have Water Damage?
In most cases, mold in a home or structure is going to correlate with water damage or someplace with high humidity and excessive moisture levels. This isn’t always the case, but the majority definitely rules here. Why? Because mold needs warmth and moisture to grow.
Mold spores are constantly in the air and on surfaces all around you. But that doesn’t mean the mold is growing there. However, when you have a basement with moisture or high humidity or a leak that is leaving behind water damage, those are places that stimulate mold growth.
If you know you have water damage or a water leak somewhere, get it taken care of. Stop the water or excessive moisture issue and get the damages cleaned up to prevent mold.
Know Where Moisture and Mold Can Lurk
The places you need to monitor are the places that can often hold excess moisture in your home.
Here are some common moisture problem areas to monitor:
- Around doors and windows
- The seal on your refrigerator door
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Basements with high humidity
- Improper dryer ventilation
- Crawl spaces
- Anywhere with a plumbing leak
- Leaking roofs
- Inside steamers or humidifiers
Appliances like steamers and humidifiers can be checked regularly and cleaned to prevent mold. In rooms or areas of your home that are more susceptible to mold, you can be proactive. For example, kitchens and bathrooms often get more steam and moisture. Install vent fans to help in these rooms.
In a damp basement or crawl space, you could use a dehumidifier or a moisture control system to regulate those levels.
What to Do When You Suspect Mold Damage
If you find mold or you suspect mold in your home, take action. Don’t ever ignore this possibility. If there is mold, it’s not going to just stop growing and go away. You’re going to want to find it and have it remediated as quickly as possible.
Mold can pose major health risks, particularly if you have a toxigenic mold on your hands. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to tell if the mold is toxic just from looking at it. Additionally, almost all molds associated with water damage are toxigenic or will trigger allergy symptoms.
If you suspect mold, follow these steps:
- See if you can pinpoint a problem area
- Fix any leaks or damages that are causing the mold
- Call a professional mold restoration company in
Professional companies will have the tools to assess the situation, help safely remove the mold, and then clean up, disinfect, and restore your property. It’s far better to use a trained company that is certified to handle this issue and has the equipment to do so safely. Don’t put yourself or your household at risk with DIY approaches.
ONEighty Solutions Will Help with Your Mold Damage
Noticing musty odors? Recently experienced water damage? Struggling with damp basements or bathrooms? All of these things could be signs of mold or a risk for mold. Don’t ignore them.
When you find mold or suspect mold is present, we can help! ONEighty Solutions has a very specific mold remediation process. We investigate the issue, create a plan of attack, and treat the area. We do so with careful safety and containment processes.
Contact us today for an evaluation if you even suspect the possibility of mold.
