Signs and Causes of Mold
Signs & Causes of Mold: What Homeowners Should Know
Virtually all homes contain some form of mold. Mold spores are everywhere and often in abundance. All it takes is a little moisture and a surface on which those spores can attach to allow them to grow and flourish. Thankfully, most household mold doesn’t cause a major issue, and it can be kept under control with proper cleaning, especially in bathrooms and basements where dampness can lead to mold growth.
In some cases, mold may grow beyond what a homeowner can clean themselves. When this occurs, hiring a professional mold removal service may be necessary to ensure the mold is removed safely and completely.
If you think you might have a mold problem, there are some signs you can look for.
Visible Signs of Mold
The most telling sign that you have a mold problem is discoloration on surfaces in your home . There are various types of mold, and they all might present a bit differently. For instance, the fuzzy green growth you see on old bread is a form of mold. When present on walls and other surfaces, mold is often black or green and it may appear as spots spattered around a certain area, or it might look like a large black, brown, or green stain.
Any discoloration you find on the walls, ceiling, or on other materials, especially those containing organic matter, and those in damp areas, could signal that you have a mold problem.
Other Signs of Mold
Even if you don’t notice any visible mold growing around your home, you may still have a mold problem in areas you can’t see. Mold can often grow in locations that are out of sight, such as in air ducts and attics. If this mold continues to grow out of control, you may eventually experience physical symptoms from mold exposure.
Symptoms that usually accompany mold are wheezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing, trouble breathing, runny or stuffy nose, or skin irritation such as hives. In severe cases, the trouble breathing may be severe and accompanied by a fever. If you start having indoor allergy symptoms suddenly, or your symptoms are worse than usual, you should have your indoor air quality tested and the house checked for mold.
What Causes Mold?
Mold is found virtually everywhere, and it is naturally occurring. No home is completely mold free, as the spores travel through the air and can wind up in most any location. Leave any food sitting out long enough, and eventually you’ll see mold begin to grow.
Other types of mold spores are also found in the air, usually in quantities that aren’t dangerous to human health. When the spores find a suitable surface to attach themselves, they begin to grow and cause the discoloration commonly found with mold contamination. Mold requires moisture in order to thrive, so bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas of the home are most susceptible to mold growth. You can cut down on risk by using an exhaust fan in the bathroom, and a dehumidifier in other damp areas of the home.
Think you have a mold problem?
If you think you might have a problem with mold in your home, call the experts at Rapidcan for a consultation. We’ll inspect your home for mold damage, test air quality, and safely remove mold to create a healthy indoor environment for your family. With over 15 years’ experience in mold removal and water damage restoration, we have the tools you need to get rid of mold…fast.
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