How To Identify Mold In Your House
The presence of mold in a house is sometimes hard to discover, but the mold is easily identifiable in some cases. Even if the mold that grows in your house is small, you’ll notice the area becoming dirty, but that isn’t enough indication that you have a mold problem. Sometimes the mold grows in hidden areas that you won’t spot with your naked eye.
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What Are The Signs of Mold In Your House?
When it comes to how to identify mold in your house, the answer lies with the signs. Knowing the right signs to look for can help you avoid complications usually associated with the presence of mold.
Allergies
Mold usually causes different types of reactions in different people. Most people develop allergies and related symptoms that get worse when within the vicinity of the mold. If you suddenly develop allergies when indoors, but the symptoms fade when you go outside, then you need to consider the possibility of mold growing in your home. Some of the signs you need to look out for include sneezing, itchy or sore throat, coughing, skin irritation that also includes itchiness, and wheezing. Your eyes may also become watery or itchy when you get close to the area with mold.
Water Spills
Excess moisture usually provides a thriving ground for mold. If you have had water damage and some areas of your house took longer to dry up, they may be harboring mold. Water damage can be caused by flooding or leaks in hidden areas like the ceiling or inside the walls. For water damage that isn’t clearly visible, you could look for signs like peeling paint, discoloration of the surfaces, and bubbling or cracking if paint. Start by confirming whether the surface you’re concerned about has leaks, then proceed to check for mold’s presence before working on removing the mold. If you have had flooding in the recent past, look for a professional cleaner who will dry up the whole house.
Odor
Mold has a distinctive smell that is hard to miss, especially in a house that is always occupied. It is a strong, musty smell that persists even when you improve the room’s ventilation and open your windows. If the smell fades when you open windows but comes back when you close them, then you may have mold growing.
Visible Signs of Mold Growth
Mold usually grows in clusters that turn the surface dark. Different types of mold have different colors, with some being dark, others white, brown, or gray. If you have wallpaper, the mold may be purple or pink. Check any spot that has a different color from the rest of the surface
How Do You Tell If The Mold In Your House Is Dangerous?
Different types of mold have different effects. Some types of mold can cause adverse effects that include fatality. If you’re experiencing extreme signs and symptoms, you should get a professional to test the mold you’re exposed to. Some of the signs include.
Fatigue
Suppose you’re feeling tired all the time and can’t figure out why you could have a mold problem. Chronic weakness and tiredness that gets more intense with increased humidity is often a result of dangerous mold. You may feel less tired when you get closer to an air conditioner or when you go outside.
Difficulty Focusing
There have been cases where exposure to toxic mold has affected the brain, making it difficult for you to focus. Other than the loss of concentration, you could also lose your memory or develop anxiety. Forgetfulness has also been associated with mold exposure, though this happens progressively. The more you’re exposed to the mold, the more the effects advance.
Skin Irritation
If you have very sensitive skin, then the slightest exposure to toxic mold can cause severe skin irritation that may start as itchy skin. Your skin may swell, or you may develop rashes. In some cases, the mold causes hives and the utmost discomfort.
Chronic Cough
Toxic mold usually causes respiratory problems that are indicated by chronic cough or sinus issues. If you have a cough that doesn’t go away or your sinus becomes congested, you could deal with mold. Sometimes you may have difficulty breathing. These signs can be worse when you have a compromised immune system.
How Do I Fix Mold In My House?
Getting rid of mold is the only way to ensure you don’t encounter the same problem in the future. You also need to keep your house dry and well ventilated to keep it dry. Looking for all leaks and fixing them can also help with keeping your home dry and mold-free. In case you don’t find leaks, but you still have mold, check the ductwork around your ventilation systems.
When removing the mold, you are going to be better off leaving it to the experts. If you believe you have mold in your house, don’t hesitate. Contact ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services for help today! Our mold remediation experts will help identify and treat your house with ease. Call today!
