Common Signs of Mold in Your Home and Why You Should Test for It
A distinct unpleasant odor enters your nostrils when you step into a space, and that persistent smell refuses to go away. You have likely observed unusual black or green discolorations growing on your bathroom wall. These are signs of mold in home that you should not dismiss.
Mold is more than just an unsightly nuisance; it generates serious health problems and other issues. Your property experiences damage while mold causes allergic reactions and serious medical problems, which become worse when you delay proper remediation. Household mold detection in its early stages prevents future financial losses and physical health complications.
Let’s learn how to identify mold before it becomes a serious issue and why professional mold tests hold significant value for your house.
What Exactly Is Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that requires moist and warm conditions to develop. It spreads across the air through tiny spores, which cannot be seen without magnification. Mold just needs moisture and organic materials like wood, drywall, or carpets to grow.
What’s the most concerning aspect? Mold starts to grow during the first two days following water contact.
Common Signs Of Mold In Your Home
Mold doesn’t make loud noises about its presence. Sometimes, it whispers. An early detection of mold is possible with keen observation. Here are some common signs of mold in the home that you must not ignore.
That Persistent Musty Smell
Think of that smell when you enter an old basement that has been closed for a long time, or a wet gym towel lying in your gym bag, forgotten. That is the mold smell we are referring to. Pay attention to that smell, especially around HVAC units, bathrooms, attics, and basements. It indicates that mold may be hiding underneath the flooring and behind the walls.
Visible Discoloration Or Patches
Mold takes different forms and displays. It may appear in black, green, white, brown, and even orange colors on surfaces like walls, ceilings, tiles, and wood materials. Don’t dismiss it as dirt or soot.
Pro Tip: A substance that returns after soap and water cleaning must be mold.
Water Damage Or Leaks
Recent roof leaks, plumbing issues, or floods can cause mold growth. Water stains on walls or ceilings likely mean mold has established its presence in your home.
Allergy-Like Symptoms
You and your family members usually stay healthy when outside, but allergy-like symptoms appear after returning home. Mold exposure can cause:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Breathing issues
The CDC reports that mold triggers asthma attacks and aggravates different respiratory diseases.
Warping Or Peeling Surfaces
Paint bubbles and peeling wallpaper are among signs of mold in home too. They may be caused by moisture, which may have invited mold in the first place.
Early Signs Of Mold In the House: Don’t Wait to Act
The first warning signals of mold damage within your home often start as minor moisture-related symptoms like small formations of condensation at localized spots. But mold is sneaky. The mold problem commonly exists inside walls, under carpets, behind cabinets, and within crawl spaces.
Think of it like termites. The signs of mold become visible after it has already caused harm to your property. One discovers the high cost only after the damage has become extensive.
Why Testing for Mold Is So Important
Testing enables you to detect mold patches that might progress to severe problems.
Here’s why it’s worth it:
- Exposure to mold over an extended period may result in severe health conditions, including chronic sinus problems, fatigue, and respiratory ailments.
- Your home remains safe from extensive damage when you protect it because mold reduces valuable materials such as drywall, wood, and flooring to useless debris.
- Testing lets you rest better, knowing your home environment is safe with no mold present.
- According to a Chubb survey, 44% of homes experienced water damage in 2022, which could spur mold growth.
When Should You Test for Mold
You should definitely test if:
- There is a continuous musty odor in your space.
- Water damage in your residence prompts the need for testing.
- You see visible mold growth.
- Unexplained respiratory issues affect family members in your home.
- You want to sell your house and get it tested for mold.
- Testing reveals hidden mold growth in air ducts, underneath the floors, and behind walls, even if no mold is visible to the observer.
What Happens During A Mold Test
Mold inspectors are professionals who use devices such as infrared cameras, air sampling devices, and moisture meters to spot hidden mold locations. The inspection operates without breaking any structure, completes its work quickly, and achieves exceptional results.
Professional mold testing enables you to obtain proper information for making informed decisions about your home conditions and health.
Don’t Ignore The Signs
The early warning signs of mold in the home are subtle and insignificant. But all intruders grow more aggressive when you choose to ignore them. So, don’t ignore signals such as odors, discolorations, and unexplained allergy symptoms. They might indicate potential mold problems. Pay heed to them while they are in the early stages for quick and relatively easy mold remediation.
Final Thoughts
Mold comes uninvited and takes hold without you even realizing it. Just a little moisture and some time are enough to spur mold growth. Implementing prompt responses soon after you see mold signs helps your home remain healthy and keeps maintenance expenses at a minimum.
You should be concerned about mold growth if you can feel its signs but cannot see it. A verified mold inspection conducted by The BrickKicker provides you with all the information you need.
Our trained inspectors evaluate houses through modern detection equipment to find mold before it spreads. We provide peace of mind to homeowners, renters, and homebuyers.
Call us now.