5 min read
Mold is a common problem plaguing homeowners, no matter the age and size of their houses. Unfortunately, it is a danger for homeowners and anyone who resides with them. Microbial growth left untreated releases mycotoxins, which can worsen indoor air quality and cause various illnesses, from respiratory issues to cognitive difficulties and even organ damage in severe cases. Mold can also wreak havoc on a structure’s building materials which is a serious hazard on its own and will require costly repairs.
This is where early detection and mold removal become crucial. As a property owner, you have no time to waste in removing affected materials, drying out your home, and enlisting professional mold remediation. Your swift response can help protect both your home and your loved ones.
The catch is that confirming the presence of mold in your home is not as straightforward as it seems. Not all microbial growth is visible, so keeping your eyes peeled for these signs and characteristics is critical.
How To Detect Mold in Your Home
Here are some guidelines to help you catch microbial contamination and enlist professional mold removal before things get worse.
What Mold Looks Like
What makes mold tricky to detect is that it can come in different colors. Some species appear as black, green, or brown specks, while others emerge as white furry growth. Mold growing in the bathroom also often appears as pink spots.
Fortunately, studying the areas surrounding your suspected microbial growth can also help you confirm whether you indeed have contamination. Since mold eats away at organic materials like wood and drywall, you may also see other visible signs, such as:
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Warped wallpapers
- Sagging ceilings
What Mold Smells Like
Certain species of mold release microbial volatile organic compounds or mVOCs directly into the air, producing a strong odor similar to the smell of decaying wood or wet socks. However, mold odors can vary and emerge with any of these characteristics:
- Musty: Imagine the smell of an attic that has been closed for months.
- Earthy: Mold odor can also resemble of muddy ground in a dense forest.
- Damp: If your attic or basement smells like a damp locker room, you may have a mold problem.
Rotting: Some mold species give off a scent similar to an aging cheese or decaying fruit.
Other Signs: Symptoms of Mold Exposure
While direct contact with mold indeed causes allergic reactions, you don’t have to touch a microbial growth to experience symptoms. Breathing in mVOCs alone can cause health problems or worsen any existing conditions.
If you are experiencing these symptoms only when you’re indoors, it’s highly likely you have a mold problem:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Congestion in the nose
- Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
Those with asthma must practice extra caution, as mold can also trigger an asthma attack. Moreover, a study by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that mold has directly caused as many as 4.6 million asthma cases in the U.S.
Risk Factors That May Point To Mold
Besides knowing what signs to watch out for, learning the factors that may put your home at risk of a mold infestation also helps you protect your property. It’s a good idea to contact mold removal professionals as soon as possible if you can relate to any of the following:
- You recently experienced a flood or plumbing or roof leak.
- You notice the musty smell becoming stronger when you use the air conditioning. Air conditioners are particularly susceptible to microbial growth if not properly maintained.
- You constantly use a humidifier. Anything above 50% can result in excessive humidity, which promotes microbial growth.
Close the Case Fast and Easy With a Mold Remediation Professional
Your home is where you enjoy meals with your loved ones, get ready for work, and rest after a long day. As such, you naturally want to ensure it’s safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Detecting mold is the first step toward protecting your home and everyone in it. While this task can be challenging, paying attention to the signs and risk factors described above can help you get started.
If you suspect or have confirmed microbial growth inside your building, make sure you pass the baton to mold removal experts, like Restoration 1 of Suffolk County. Just like identifying mold, eliminating it from your home is not easy. For example, proper safety measures and containment methods must be used to address the issue and ensure everyone’s health.
Contact us today at 631-490-5013 for professional mold remediation. We use modern equipment and industry-approved practices to remove mold from your home, address the underlying moisture issue, and ultimately bid your long-term mold concerns goodbye.
