5 Signs Your Home May have Mold

2/5/2015 (Permalink)

Understandably, most people don’t want to talk about mold. It’s icky. Unrecognized, undetected, or simply ignored, mold can be an enormous health concern for you and your family – even your pets. For those who are suffering the health effects of exposure, mold can be life altering. As awareness grows, many people are making the connection between mold and their illnesses. Tragically, mold related illnesses are misdiagnosed because the symptoms of mold exposure often mirror common respiratory issues such as asthma, wheezing, or bronchitis. In reality, mold is often the hidden culprit behind these illnesses.

Molds reproduce through microscopic spores which float through the air. Mold begins growing inside the home when mold spores settle on wet surfaces. While there are numerous types of mold, none of them can reproduce without moisture.

Odor

Mold can often only be detected if a building, or a particular room or area in a building, smells moldy. You may not actually see the source. It will hide under carpets, beneath paneling and dry wall, or inside walls beside pipes which may be leaking or wet with condensation.

Condensation

A buildup of condensation in your home, such as on window surfaces, is a sign that you have conditions which often lead to mold. It might be indicating that there is a humidity problem. Mold will grow wherever condensation builds up and collects. Rusted pipes under a sink, or in the basement, are another signal to be looking for.

Stains and discoloration

If you notice water stains or discoloration on ceilings, walls, or floors, take steps to find the source and correct the problem because mold may be growing behind or within the material. Also, look for peeling wallpaper or cracking paint, or the presence of dampness in any of these areas. One of the worst things that you can do is to cosmetically cover up these stains.

It’s possible to see some mold and not recognize it for what it is. You can easily mistake minuscule mold growth for a speck of dirt. In fact, mold can appear in many different colors, not necessarily black or gray. If you see something that doesn’t look right, or seems out of place, always search the area for any other signs that it could be mold. Even the tiniest indication of mold growth is evidence of a much greater problem ahead.

History of problems

Did your basement ever flood? Did a water heater burst? Was there a major leak under the kitchen sink? These areas in your home need to be periodically checked for hidden remnants of mold symptoms. You should particularly check for evidence of mold under floors or cabinetry. As we previously stated, mold could remain hidden, making your family sick while growing out of sight.

Mold is a poison

Imagine feeling better away from your house than in it. Sometimes, the first evidence that there is a mold problem in your home comes from recognizing that the health of your family improves when they are away. Any symptoms of a cold flaring up only in the home are a common sign of health related mold issues. Common allergic reactions to mold include sneezing, sore eyes and throat, and a runny nose or nasal congestion.

Of even greater concern would be symptoms of any neurological disorder. Nosebleeds, headaches, problems with memory loss, concentration, or dizziness are all evidence of a toxic mold presence somewhere in your house. This is especially true if you, or a family member, have these experiences at home.

You should also watch for signs of abnormal behavior in your pets. Often, like the canary in the coalmine, our beloved animals become the first indicators that the toxicity of mold is present in the home.

Know what to look for. Live mold free. If you notice one of these signs call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area premier mold remediation company.