Mold Inspections: Your Complete Guide to Keeping a Mold-Free Home

1. Worse Allergies

According to the CDC, mold is one of the most common indoor triggers for homeowners. Mold spores are airborne irritants that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms such as:

• Congestion
• Shortness of Breath
• Itchy throat, nose, and eyes
• Dry skin
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing

If you notice these symptoms worsening while you’re indoors, this may be a sign of mold exposure. You may also worsen symptoms when entering only specific areas of your home, such as attics or crawl spaces. 

2. Musty Odors

One of the first signs of mold you’ll most likely notice is musty odors. The smell typically starts as faint and intensifies as conditions worsen. As mold grows, it releases mVOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. When mixed with chemicals, this can produce unpleasant, musty smells.

If you notice a strange, musty odor and aren’t sure of the source, then there’s a chance your home could have mold. 

3. Peeling Wallpaper

If you have an older home with wallpaper and notice peeling or bubbling sections, this may be a sign that mold is growing. Changes in humidity and temperature, particularly during the summer, result in peeling wallpaper from condensation. Moisture becomes trapped underneath, causing the wallpaper to loosen, leading to mold growth.

4. Stains on Ceilings or Walls

If mold is growing on your walls or ceiling, you’ll notice it most likely has a dark-colored appearance. While discoloration comes in various shades, brown or black are the most common. Other shades of mold include yellow, blue, white, green, or gray. One way to determine if the shade is mold is if the mold has texture, such as fuzzy, slimy, or soft.

Mold stains also appear on water-damaged surfaces; however, sometimes, it’s difficult to tell since moisture can build up within or underneath walls. 

5. Moisture Issues

If your home has high humidity or a recent water leak, mold is always a growing risk. Mold spores, typically inactive and harmless in the air, can’t grow without moisture. Mold requires humid, wet, or damp conditions to develop into full-blown mold.

Here are several other conditions you’ll want to look out for that may cause mold to grow in your home:

• Condensation
• Water from severe weather
• Poor kitchen or bathroom ventilation
• Leaky pipes
  
  

6. Chronic Headaches

Aside from allergy symptoms, mold exposure can contribute to chronic sickness. Mold exposure occurs when poor indoor air quality is in closed environments such as homes or apartments. Chronic headaches are the most prevalent sickness among homeowners when exposed to mold.

With significant mold exposure, you may notice headaches in as little as a few hours when entering a contaminated area and improving within minutes of leaving the area.

How Can I Prevent Mold in My Home?

Removing mold in your home can become a significant task, and if mold contamination is widespread, remediation can sometimes be a costly expense. The best solution to mold prevention is to stop it before it begins. Here are some helpful tips on how you can prevent mold in your home:

• Repair Leaks—Whether you have a leaky pipe or a leak in your roof, you should fix leaks immediately to keep moisture out of your home.
• Dry Areas—If you’ve recently experienced a flood or have condensation from your AC unit, you should ensure you dry the areas within 24 to 48 hours. Since mold requires moisture to grow, this is a vital step to ensure prompt drying.
• Humidity Control—Moisture can develop in humid environments, causing mold to build on many surfaces. During the summer, you can use a dehumidifier in these areas. In bathrooms and kitchens, ensure adequate ventilation to keep humidity levels low and moisture under control.
  
  

Since mold is a severe problem, spotting mold contamination when it occurs is crucial to saving money on costly repairs. In the long term, the cost of mold inspections is worth it if you’re purchasing a new home. If you see mold in your home, you should remove it immediately.

If you’re in need of mold remediation, contact Exit Mold today!