How to Tell if Your Home is Affected By Mold
Mold infestations are every homeowner's worst nightmare—and for a good reason. It can spread quickly, wreaking havoc on your home and health.
If you suspect mold has started to grow in your home, it's crucial to be aware of the telltale warning signs in order to stop the infestation in its tracks. Our mold testing, remediation, and removal experts have compiled a complete guide for detecting the presence of mold in your home.
Where Does it Grow?
The first step to tracking down mold in your home is knowing where to look. Mold often grows in locations with excess moisture. Homeowners should closely monitor areas affected by leaks or flooding to prevent a massive mold problem.
Mold can also grow on paper-based products, ceiling tiles, wooden fixtures, cardboard, and upholstery. Many building materials are often suitable locations for mold growth, especially if they have been affected by water damage.
Signs of a Mold Problem
Becoming aware of mold's warning signs can help you diagnose the issue and call for expert assistance before the problem is worsened. Spotting one of the following characteristics early can save your home from further damage:
- Musty odor
- Health symptoms
- Visible spotting
- Walls with bubbles
We recommend reaching out to our professionals for our trusted mold testing services if you're questioning if mold is present in your home. With mold infestations, time is of the essence. Our professionals can provide you with a definitive answer in a timely manner, so you'll be able to act swiftly.
What Does Mold Look Like?
Both mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. They multiply quickly, and often homeowners may assume both are one and the same. However, mold has a particular appearance that distinguishes it from mildew.
Mold can appear as fuzzy or slimy and grows in irregular patterns of spots that can exhibit various colors. These colors may include blue, yellow, gray, brown, black, green, or white. If you've experienced recent water damage and have noticed a few unsightly spots in these colors, it's most likely mold.
How Does Mold Affect My Health?
Although the structural effects of mold can be devastating, mold's impact on health and wellbeing can be just as, if not more, detrimental. If a home has a mold problem, the occupants are often affected by allergy-like symptoms, including:
- Itchy and irritated eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Difficulty breathing
In some severe cases, such as with individuals exposed to the mold for an extended amount of time or those with mold allergies, symptoms may be more serious. Individuals with a preexisting immune or respiratory condition are at higher risk of experiencing symptoms.
How Do I Get Rid of It?
The infestation of mold can be detrimental to a homeowner's comfort and wallet. It can be easy to revert to DIY bleach and water removal methods in a pinch, but mold requires professional remediation, removal, and cleaning to prevent future infestations and completely clear the affected areas of mold spores.
If you suspect that your home has been affected by mold, don't wait to call in reinforcements. Contacting our professionals will ensure the mold problem is resolved, giving you peace of mind that your home will be restored in no time.
Mold Removal and Remediation Experts
If your home has recently been affected by mold, you're not alone. Our restoration specialists will be here every step of the way to safely handle the mold removal process for you. Give Advanced Water Restoration a call at (206) 823-2252 or fill out an online contact form to learn more.
