Little Known Ways to Know When Mold Exists In Your Home

Most homeowners have had to deal with mold in their home at some point as it doesn’t take much for mold spores to develop. Mold thrives in moist, warm environments. Some molds are visible and have an odour whilst other types of mild might be lurking in areas you cannot see. They range in colour from blue, black, green, red or yellow to white and grey. Most molds are non-toxic, however some produce spores called mycotoxins, which negatively impacts an individual’s health and in severe cases may cause rashes, seizures, severe fatigue and respiratory problems in some people. Therefore, a mold problem should be dealt with swiftly to prevent any harmful risks to you and your family.

The most common places mold grows are:

·         Basements – if a basement floods or there is any kind of leakage it does not normally dry out properly.

·         In tightly sealed buildings as they tend to trap excess moisture inside.

·         In leaking pipes, windows or roofs.

·         Houses with a poor ventilation system and permanent damp spots that are not aired out properly.

It is not really necessary to determine the exact species of mold in your home or to measure the actual concentration, but rather just whether or not mold is present so you can effectively rid your home of it.

The most obvious signs to look out for mold include:

·         An ‘earthy’ or musty odour.

·         Discolouration’s on floors, walls, window panes, fabrics and carpets.

Less obvious signs:

·         If you suffer from chronic allergies this could also indicate the presence of mold.

·         If you suffer from more serious symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory-loss or have trouble concentrating then it could mean that toxic mold is growing somewhere in you house and should be dealt with immediately.

·         If your house has had any flooding problems in the past then mold might have started to grow in areas where water remained the longest such as in the basement. Mold might also be growing behind walls or under floors.

·         If you see a lot of condensation on your window panes etc then it means your house has a lot of moisture, perfect conditions for mold to grow.

These are just a few things to look out for that could indicate a mold problem. Smaller areas of mold can be treated by individuals themselves, whilst large areas of mold should be left to the professionals.