How To Tell If Your Home or Business Has Mold

Dark Spots or Discoloration on Walls 

Visible mold is easy to spot, but it can also appear as dark spots on your walls. It could look like staining or a shadow that doesn’t go away as the sun moves. The discoloration can be black or green and can even look wet or slimy. 

Just be sure not to touch it or disturb it in any way! Mold that is growing on walls may look harmless, but touching it can release dangerous mold spores into the air. Contact a professional mold contractor to evaluate the area for you. 

Stinky Smells 

Odors will come and go from your home or business as your family runs through their days, your pet comes in from outside, or your warehouse workers load up your delivery trucks. However, these daily odors should fade away with proper ventilation. 

If you have a stubborn odor that smells musty or earthy, you might be dealing with a mold infestation. Mold is a living thing, so this musty smell will only continue to get worse as the infestation grows. As it gets larger, it can even start to smell rotten.

Even if you can’t track down a visible infestation on your own, it is important to have a professional mold testing done to ensure there are no issues behind your walls or under your floors. 

Allergy Issues Are Common 

Seasonal and situational allergies are common when you spend time outside in the elements, but they shouldn’t be a constant problem in your home or business. If you have a family member or staff member struggling with allergy symptoms inside your property, it’s time to dig deeper. 

Common allergy symptoms include: 

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itchy eyes or throat
• Itchy skin or irritation 

Mold is an irritant, and will start to impact your property’s indoor air quality. As the mold spores infiltrate your circulating air, allergy symptoms are a common reaction. 

Without proper treatment, these mold spores can continue to cause respiratory issues. If the spores enter your lungs, you can expect worsening allergy symptoms and even respiratory infections. Don’t wait to call a mold professional if you are struggling with physical symptoms! 

Soft or Uneven Floors 

Mild mold infestations can be contained quickly to avoid causing serious damage. However, the longer a mold colony goes unnoticed, the higher the risk that structural damage occurs. 

Mold will eventually start to degrade your subfloors and floor joists, leading to rot. As your structural supports wear away, your floors will start to lose their strength and integrity.