Around 70% of U.S households have mold which shows it’s a widespread problem.
Mold is a major issue as it smells, puts your health at risk, and shows that water is seeping into your property. Perhaps you feel like something has changed in your home and you’re not sure whether it’s mold.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five signs of mold.
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Musty Odor
“What does mold look like?” You ask.
It looks like a fuzzy stain and comes in a range of colors like white, black, and blue-green. It emits a musty smell, similar to mildew.
You may also notice this odor in your fresh laundry. If your newly washed clothes smell within a few hours of sitting in your home, then you’ve got a mold problem.
Water Damage
Check your walls for water damage mold especially near faucets or showers. This indicates that a large amount of mold has already grown so take immediate action. Note, you’ll need professional restoration to remove all traces of it.
Allergies and Asthma
A telltale sign you’ve got basement mold is if you’re frequently getting allergies or suffering from asthma. Many people with house mold get this because the spores quickly spread throughout your home.
As a result, you may get a runny nose, itchy eyes, and develop a cough. Not everyone gets ill when exposed to mold, but infants, children, and elderly people are more susceptible. Further, anyone who has underlying health conditions or weak lungs is vulnerable, so regularly inspect your home for signs.
Leaking Roof
If any shingles are broken or missing on your roof, then they may let rain enter your home. This can cause an outbreak of mold so look out for water spots on the ceiling. You should also get your attic regularly checked to ensure no moisture is getting in.
Another obvious sign is if the paint near the ceiling or by water sources is discolored. Mold is likely growing behind the walls so you can’t see it. Further, be mindful of newly applied wallpaper because if it’s crumbling then moisture is trapped, the perfect environment for mold to flourish.
Poor Humidity
Poorly ventilated homes are susceptible to mold outbreaks. This is because pockets of stagnant air form which causes mold to grow. To prevent this, open your windows to welcome fresh air and promote good airflow.
Remember, mold thrives near moisture, warmth, and darkness so regularly check your home for signs.
These Are the Signs of Mold
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the top signs of mold.
Look out for a musty odor, mold spots on your ceiling, and check that the roof is completely sealed. You should also regularly ventilate every room and take immediate action when you notice water damage to alleviate the problem. Good luck!
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