Mold can hide in many nooks and crannies in your house, which can quickly lead to health issues. It can be found in a broken HVAC unit or hiding in the walls thanks to a leaky pipe that you can’t even see.
You need to look out for seven signs of mold in your house. It is crucial that as soon as you see any of these signs you either hire a professional or use a home toxic mold test to confirm your suspicions. The longer the problem goes untreated, the worse it can mean for the damage to your home and your health.
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1. It Has a Distinct Earthy Smell
Whenever you run the HVAC or heater, you might start to notice a distinct musty smell. Smells can be broad, but the smell of mold will often smell like Earth that has been sitting in water for too long. Similar to what a swamp might smell like.
If you find that this only occurs when running the HVAC, it could be a sign that your HVAC has mold in it. Chances are that the mold is residing in the system itself and is being exposed to the moisture that the HVAC collects, giving it a prime place to grow.
Regularly get your HVAC checked and always changed out the filter to ensure that the air you’re breathing is clean.
2. The Stain Is Growing
Unless you’re extremely clumsy and always spill an item in a specific spot, you’re probably not going to contribute to the growth of a stain. So if that stain on your wall is growing, chances are that it is mold.
The mold is more than likely on the inside of the wall, which means you’ll need to cut it out and get in there to check. If you find the mold on the outside, you’ll want to call a specialist to double-check that it isn’t anywhere else.
3. The Surface Is Warping Around It
Physical signs of mold will extend past the growth of it. Often, mold will start to warp and peel the surface of a wall. This is common in houses that still have wallpaper, especially wallpaper that is in the bathroom.
In these cases, you’ll want to peel back the wallpaper and see if the mold is underneath that. You can easily eliminate the mold this way. But if the mold continues even after you’ve got rid of the wallpaper, chances are that it has crept into the wall.
4. No Light But a Lot of Water
Places like basements are highly susceptible to growing a lot of mold quickly because of their damp and dark nature. These areas are where pipes are and are one of the first places to get flooded in natural disasters.
If you’ve recently experienced a flood or burst pipe down in the basement, chances are that there is at least some mold growing somewhere. The benefit of basements is that they are often air-tight and have a harder time getting in the wall. This makes for an easier elimination process.
Don’t wait till after a natural disaster has occurred for you to take action. Get in touch with Ctr-nw.com to start your natural disaster preparedness now.
5. You Have Flu-Like Symptoms
If you suspect that your home may be harboring black mold, it’s essential to pay attention to any persistent allergic or flu-like symptoms you or your family members may be experiencing. These symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, runny noses, and increased fatigue, can often be indicative of mold presence.
Interestingly, these symptoms might manifest more prominently in specific areas of your home, like the basement or laundry room, hinting at localized mold growth. If conventional remedies fail to alleviate your symptoms and you suspect mold involvement, it’s wise to enlist the expertise of a mold specialist. You can easily find a professional for mold testing in Hartford, CT, or your specific location, by conducting a quick online search.
6. Chronic Infections
If you already have lung diseases like lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, you might find yourself with an increase in infections, despite the condition not worsening. In these cases, always seek medical treatment to ensure that there are no other underlying issues as to why this is happening.
If the doctors can’t determine a reason, you’ll want to check the house for black mold to be on the safe side. Professionals will be able to identify the problem and at least do a termination to see if there were any particles in the air that could have been going unseen.
7. You’re Running a Humidifier or Live in a Humid Area
If you’re someone that loves it humid, like running hot baths, running a humidifier, while also living in Florida, chances are that you’re increasing the risk of mold growing in your house. The more humidity in the home, the higher the chance of mold growing in places that you wouldn’t expect it.
If you find your shower grout constantly dirty despite limiting the amount of time you spend in that particular bathroom, you’re probably not dealing with dirt. Instead, mold has taken hold in the grout and will continue to spread until an anti-fungal has gone in and done its job.
The chances of having dangerous mold growth in this area are slim, but not zero. To be on the safe side, send out a sample or call in a professional who can test the mold. They’ll be able to help you determine what type of mold it is and if a normal cleaner or a professional cleaner is needed to eliminate the pest.
Look Out for These Signs of Mold in Your House
By knowing these signs of mold in your house, you can be prepared and act fast to eliminate it. Try to mitigate the risk of mold growth by keeping up with regular maintenance on the HVAC, pipes, and walls. Always consult a doctor for any symptoms that are related to mold growth.
If you want to learn more about taking care of your home, health, business, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog. Do you know someone that likes a humid house? Send this article to them so they know the signs of mold.