Concerned that suspect mold is growing somewhere in your home? It’s an issue you can’t leave unchecked, as mold can spread rapidly and create all kinds of issues. These include structural issues for your home, as well as health issues for your family. The earlier you find signs of mold in your house, the quicker you can treat it and remove it. Here are the 7 most common signs of mold in house environments, which will help you spot it before it becomes a larger issue in your home.
1. Water Issues In Your Home
If you’ve had problems with water in you home recently, then you will be at higher risk of mold growing in your home’s affected areas. Problems may include a recent water leak from broken plumbing, a leak in the roof, or high humidity. The risk of mold is higher because mold spores are typically inactive and harmless in the environment around your home. If there’s more moisture than usual, that allows the spores to grow and become mold.
If you’ve had any kind of water issue in your home, you’ll want to be on high alert for signs of mold in your house. You’ll want to avoid several risk factors when possible, too, including leaking pipes, poor ventilation, condensation from heating and AC systems, and so on.
2. Headaches And Other Health Issues
Here’s a sign of mold that you may not have realized was a sign of mold in the first place: When we’re exposed to certain types of toxins, they will make us ill while we’re exposed to them. These toxins include mycotoxins, which are present in some types of mold. When exposed to these toxins, you can start to suffer from what is known as Sick Building Syndrome, or SBS. The symptoms are varied, but the most common ones are headaches and fatigue. Typically, you’ll see that you start suffering from these symptoms when you enter the home, and they’ll persist until you leave. If this happens to you, you’ll need to start looking for additional signs of mold in house.
3. Allergies That Are Triggered Indoors
If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms while in your home, that’s another sign that mold is growing somewhere in your home, and can lead to severe long-term health issues. It’s one of the most common asthma triggers too, so you’ll need to consider mold if you’re suffering from any of the following:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Itching eyes, nose or throat
- Sneezing
- Shortness of breath
- Red or watery eyes
If you experience these symptoms when you’re in your home, that will be a sign that there’s potentially mold growing somewhere. In some cases, you may even be able to pinpoint which rooms these symptoms get worse in. Typically, this could be in the bathroom, basement, attic, or near your air vents. Before you decide on mold as the explanation, ensure that you rule out any other issues, such as pest problems or pet allergies.
4. Musty Odors
Are you becoming aware of a musty smell permeating through your home? If so, it’s often one of the signs of mold in house. For many homeowners, it’s actually the first sign that something is amiss. Mold releases volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as it grows. These mix with other chemicals that they release to create that smell. The longer the mold is left unchecked, the stronger the smell will become. At first, you may not realize it’s mold and think the smell is coming from elsewhere. Typically, the smell will seem earthy, damp, or stale. If you smell something, it’s a good idea to hunt down another possible source. This could be food waste or dirty laundry. If you can’t find the source, then there’s a good chance it’s mold.
5. Wallpaper Peeling
A very visible sign that you have mold is bubbling or peeling wallpaper. If this happens, there’s moisture underneath the paper, and that’s the best place for mold to grow. This often happens because humidity, especially during the summer, allows condensation to form on the back of the wallpaper. When this happens, the wallpaper will loosen, allowing mold to form. Wallpaper can also peel when the glue holding it up is faulty or not enough has been used. If you’ve had issues with condensation though, you’ll want to check for mold.
6. Wall And Ceiling Stains
When you see a wall or ceiling stain, your first instinct will be that it’s a sign of a leak. A lot of the time this will be the case, so you’ll want to check to see if there’s a leak nearby in your plumbing or roofing. Sometimes, a wall or ceiling stain will be one of the signs of mold in house. The best way to check is to inspect it closely. The color will typically be black or brown and should feel soft or slimy. You’ll be able to smear it if you touch it or lighten the color with a few drops of bleach. Typically, you’ll see these mold stains on surfaces with water damage underneath, so you’ll want to check for moisture before treating the mold itself.
7. New Or Different Pet Behavior
Finally, you may have mold if your pets start acting in new or unusual ways for them. Typically, you may see them sniffing in new areas or even eating mold. Mold can have an adverse effect on them, so keep an eye on their health. If your pets are wheezing, coughing, vomiting, or have decreased appetite, mold may well be the cause. They can also have allergic reactions to mold, so look out for this. If your pet is experiencing any of these issues, you’ll want to check for mold in your home.
Spotting Mold In Your House? Call 411 Mold Experts Today
These are some of the most common signs of mold in house that you may not have previously been aware of. If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a professional to do a mold inspection as soon as possible to identify the source, and help you remove it safely.
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