About half of all homes in America have a mold problem. This potentially harmful organism is so pervasive because it is so tiny and tough. It can live wherever it gets enough water to survive.
Mold can come into a home through doors and windows, on clothing or shoes, on pets, through air ducts, virtually in any susceptible area of the home. Although mold can live and grow on almost any object, the most crucial element of mold growth is the presence of water.
If you’ve seen some red flags, follow this guide for how to tell if your house has mold.
You Can Feel It
The worst part about a mold problem is not the smell or even the sight of it — it’s the physical symptoms. Mold can make anyone seriously ill, and it can even be fatal.
Some common health effects include headache, nosebleeds, breathing problems, cold-like symptoms, and flu-like symptoms. The best way to figure out if this is all in your head is to stay somewhere outside of the home for a few days. If the symptoms subside, it’s time to call a mold specialist.
You Can Smell It
Mold has a characteristically damp, musty smell to it. This is a red flag if the smell is new or stronger in specific areas of the home.
However, not all molds have a distinguishable scent. No smell does not mean there’s no mold. Make sure to check your home’s history for any past flood events that make it susceptible to mold growth.
You Can See It
Among the worst signs of mold is when it’s visible to the naked eye. For it to get to that point, there are millions of mold spores in places that you will likely not be able to reach. Mold often looks black or green in color.
Attempting to scrub out mold is not effective, nor is it wise. Accidentally breathing in these spores can cause potentially serious health effects.
Moist Areas in the Home
Too much moisture in the home is usually detectable in a few ways. For example, paint bubbles in the walls may indicate that water is leaking somewhere. Mold in walls, growing under paint or wallpaper, can also make it bubble up.
Areas like the roof or gutters are especially susceptible to too much moisture collection. Companies like Advanced Seamless Gutters Inc can professionally handle stubborn mold in these difficult areas.
How to Tell If Your House Has Mold
The easiest method of how to tell if your house has mold is to ask a professional. Because mold is such a tiny, pervasive organism, it can be present without any of these obvious signs. There’s no need to drive yourself crazy — ask a mold removal specialist to inspect your home.
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