Four Signs Of House Mold
Mold is a serious health concern that can aggravate and even cause certain respiratory conditions, and will usually take root in your home following some form of water damage, be it a roofing leak or basement flooding. However, it is not always easy to spot mold in your home, since it tends to prefer dark and out of the way areas. Fortunately, there are a handful of warning signs that you can watch out for to determine if your house is suffering from a mold problem.
Dampness
The first thing that you should look out for to determine if you have a mold problem is dampness. While water damage can cause mold growth to take root, mold that has already established itself will hold onto moisture, since it needs it to grow, which can lead to damp spots in your home. If you notice excessive moisture or dampness in a darkened area that is somewhat out of the way, you should take a closer look to see if mold spores have bloomed, and trace the source of the water even if they haven't to prevent them from doing so in the future.
Earthy Smell
Another warning sign of mold growth that can be fairly easy to notice is a strong, earthy smell that permeates certain rooms or even your entire house. The stronger the odor, the more widespread the growth is. In fact, mold that has taken hold behind your walls or ceilings may only be noticeable through the smell that it gives off.
Discoloration and Peeling
Another clear indication that you may have a hidden mold problem behind the walls of your home is if you notice any sort of discoloration to your paint or wallpaper, or if you notice that your paint or wallpaper is peeling or bubbling away from the wall. This discoloration can be one of two things: either the mold itself, which has begun to eat its way through the wall entirely, or moisture that the mold is holding on to seeping through the material.
Aggravated Allergies
The final warning sign that you may have mold growing somewhere in your home is if you notice that you are suffering from allergy symptoms, like congested sinuses and runny eyes, especially if it is the off season. In a similar vein, mold spores in the air can also aggravate coughs, asthma, and other similar conditions, causing sudden and chronic flareups that otherwise have no discernible cause.
For help with mold inspections, talk to a company like Donofrio & Associates.
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