Mold is incredibly common because it naturally grows in outdoor environments. When mold spores enter indoor environments that are moist and dark without considerable airflow, they develop into greater mold problems, putting your home in danger and your health at risk.
Knowing the signs of indoor mold can help you identify outbreaks and take action toward remediation. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common signs of mold in homes, common causes and locations, and when to call your local restoration company for professional mold remediation.
To identify mold in your home, it helps to know what environmental conditions are ideal for mold formation. The number one requirement is moisture. Mold spores spread and grow when they land on wet and damp surfaces. This is why mold is commonly found in and around showers, sinks, water-damaged woods and carpeting, and other areas where moisture is present.
As an organism, mold also needs to feed on organic matter to grow. This can include everything from human food sources—think rotting breads, cheeses, and fruits—to household surfaces such as wood and insulation. Even some dusty surfaces can serve as a source of mold growth.
Temperature and humidity factor into mold’s survival, as well. The ideal range is considered to be between 60 and 80 degrees F, but mold can also grow in warmer and cooler conditions. Likewise, high humidity encourages mold growth. Common activities like using a stove to cook or running a humidifier can raise your risk of mold, although these activities alone cannot cause a mold problem.
Finally, poor ventilation is another risk factor, and clean, regular airflow can improve the air quality in your home. However, if you suspect mold growth in your home, particularly in your HVAC system, it’s important not to increase ventilation, which can spread mold spores and create a much larger problem. Instead, contact your local mold remediation company immediately.
Unsure if you have mold in the house? Look out for the following common signs of indoor mold growth.
Did you get a whiff of something unpleasant? Mold typically has a musty smell; people have also described the scent as wet, earthy, rotten, and sour. Follow your nose and see if you can find any visible developments where the odor is.
The effects of mold exposure differ from person to person, but generally, those who react have allergic or respiratory symptoms. Increased congestion, throat irritation, and itchy, watery eyes are all common allergy symptoms. While these symptoms alone do not confirm your home has a mold problem, you can test for mold or search for additional signs.
Where there are spots or stains on home surfaces, you may find the mold itself. The color of mold depends on the species; the most common species found in homes are brown, black, white, grey, and green.
Have you recently experienced water damage? If you have a leaky pipe, poor bathroom ventilation, or an appliance malfunction that causes a water spill, you’re at risk for a mold problem and must address the water damage immediately.
Bubbling or cracking wallpaper is a sign that mold is trapped beneath it. Again, you can confirm mold by searching for other signs, like dark stains on the walls or moisture around the area.
If you discover any signs of mold, it’s best to contact a mold remediation specialist to take care of the issue. If you come across visible mold that’s less than 10 square feet, the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) states that you can usually handle the job yourself. However, a remediation professional can check for and rule out mold in hidden areas, such as behind drywall or underneath carpeting. Trapped mold must be addressed carefully and by a professional to prevent the spread of mold spores throughout the home.
In short, removing mold yourself, even if you do so successfully, may not be the end of your mold problems. The only way to eliminate mold for good is to hire a professional to inspect your home and go through a thorough remediation process.
Sierra Restoration’s mold specialists can confirm whether or not you have mold in your home and, if you do, address it promptly and professionally. Rather than “cleaning” the mold, our team gets to the source of the mold growth, addressing any moisture problems and determining the safest way to remove the mold for good. We will:
If you need mold remediation in or near the Cache Valley, call Sierra Restoration. Since 2010, we have provided Utah and Idaho communities with competitive pricing, professional craftsmanship, and 24/7 emergency assistance at home.
Our trusted restoration and remodeling team applies our motto to every job: “Restoring dreams one home at a time – with value, quality, and timeliness in mind.”
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