How to Identify Mold in Your Home

Exposure to damp and moldy environments can have many adverse health effects. Often times, when mold is present, people show signs of a sensitivity to mold such as a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, skin and/or throat as well as coughing or wheezing. While many people are sensitive to mold, some are not, so it is important to understand what other signs of mold being present are. Below are some things to look out for to protect you, your family and your pets.

1. The most obvious sign – seeing mold. Mold comes in all shapes, sizes and even in a range of colors and is typically seen in areas with moisture.  
2. Another obvious sign – a moldy smell. Often times, mold will have a very distinct mildew or musty odor. 
3. Humidity. When the air is humid, there can often be condensation or water accumulation which takes a lot longer to dry out with humid air.
4. Water Leaks. If you see water leaks on the wall or ceiling, mold may be growing on the backside of the wall. Once it gets bad enough, it will grow through the drywall.
5. Flooding. When an area floods and is wet for more than 24 hours, it’s likely that mold will grow.
6. A damp basement. Basements don’t get much ventilation so there is often moisture. If you notice that your basement is damp more often than not, you may have a mold problem.
7. Peeling paint or wallpaper. If moisture is building up behind paint or wallpaper, it will often peel, crack, or bubble.
8.  Rust. When rust is present, you have a moisture problem such as high humidity, condensation, a leak or something similar.
9. Warping. If you notice that wood or drywall is bowing, there is most likely a moisture problem.

If you notice any of the above mentioned signs, there is a good chance that you have mold in your home. To assure that you, your family and your pets don’t experience any of the adverse effects of mold, get your home tested and then give us call to remediate your mold problem. You can reach us 24/7 at 301.473.6733.