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How To Find Out If Mold Is In Your House

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Having Mold In Your House

How to search for hidden mold in your home

Whether youre selling a home, preparing to buy one for the first time, or just performing regular maintenance, the issue of mold may worry you particularly if your home is in a damp environment.

In most cases, a typical home inspection wont include mold inspections and testing. You will need to hire a professional mold inspector to check your home for issues like black mold.

So, to help you understand whether or not you may need a home inspection for mold, weve put together this comprehensive guide that will help you understand the signs and symptoms of mold, know what next steps to take if you think you have mold issues, and provide you with other helpful information and tips that will help you deal with a potential mold problem.

How Do Molds Get In The Indoor Environment And How Do They Grow

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

How Long Does It Take To Remove Black Mold

Armen D. Glendale Ca.

The time it takes for Black mold removal, is all dependent on how severe the growth is, the location of it, what caused the mold to grow in the first place, sewer wastewater, or freshwater leak.

We have removed black mold in 4 hours for lite contamination, and up to 4 days for severe contamination.

Having the proper certified black mold removal agents makes the removal process safe and very effective.

Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Sheetrock

What Does It Look Like

Molds are a type of fungus and can look like their fungal cousins, mushrooms, and yeasts. There are thousands of types of mold, and their appearance can depend on the type and where it’s growing. Outdoors, molds can be seen gobbling up the dead organic matter on decomposing surfaces like fallen leaves and rotting logs indoors, house mold thrives in wet, humid environments like bathrooms and basements or anywhere that has recently flooded.

According to the CDC, the most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. However, black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum , is sometimes found in homes and other buildings. This greenish-black growth can grow on fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint, particularly in areas that may have recently flooded or suffered other types of water damage. While black mold can certainly look scary, the CDC says that Stachybotrys chartarum isn’t any more harmful than other types of mold.

How Do You Know If Mold Is Making You Sick

Can Mold Grow on Plaster Walls?

Are you sick and suspect it might be from mold?

Determining whether exposure to mold is making you sick isnt always easy.

Each persons body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression.

Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure. Many people suffering from mold illness struggle to get a proper diagnosis and investigation.

Its common to think my house is clean it cant be mold! However, mold comes in many forms. In this article, well share what toxic mold is, the signs and symptoms, and how it can be treated.

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Common Causes Of Water Damage Leading To Mold Smells

There are multiple reasons why your house can smell moldy due to mold but they all have one common factor which was stated earlier

Water damage.

It can come in many forms:

  • Roof leaks
  • Appliance leaks such as your refridgerator line or ice maker
  • Air conditioning leak
  • Etc.

When these types of leaks aren’t cleaned up quickly, mold can start to grow and let off odors.

How To Get Rid Of That Old House Smell

In this article:

There is no worse feeling than when you walk into your own home and realize it smells bad. When a candle is no longer enough to freshen up your home, you likely have bigger issues at hand that you need to address. This is even more important when it comes to that old house smell that can be a sign of much bigger problems in the home than just an unpleasant odor.

Letâs examine how to get that old smell out of the house so you can take a deep breath and relax.

Also Check: How Can You Clean Black Mold

How Mold Affects Your Health

Mold produces irritants and allergens that can cause various reactions when inhaled or touched. Reactions to mold are often allergic symptoms such as sneezing, red eyes, runny nose and skin rashes.

Sensitive individuals may experience immediate reactions when in contact with mold. Others, on the other hand, might have delayed symptoms .

Individuals with asthma may have an especially hard time when in a room with mold. Mold can trigger asthma attacks while irritating the throat, lungs, nose and eyes.

People who dont suffer from allergies or asthma may also experience irritation in the eyes, nose, lungs and throat.

One mold species, in particular, can be more hazardous than others Stachybotrys chartarum. This species is generally referred to as black mold or toxic mold. Despite the name, this mold is actually more greenish in color and is gooier in texture compared to other species.

Black mold can grow on surfaces high in cellulose and low in nitrogen. These include fiberboards, paper, dust and lint. This mold requires constant moisture in order to grow, so its commonly found near water damage, leaks and after floods.

While mold, in general, isnt toxic or poisonous, some species such as black mold can produce toxic byproducts. One of these is called mycotoxins. However, little research is available as to how it affects peoples health .

How To Find Hidden Mold In Your House

How Can Consumers Detect Mold Inside Their Walls

by amanda wooley | Apr 28, 2020 | Indoor Air Quality, Mold

Whoa! Is it just you or has your home acquired a musty odor what seems like overnight? Additionally, you have started to notice spots forming on the surfaces, such as on the walls, ceilings, and even in your counters near the sink or bathroom in your home. All of these signs cannot be taken lightly, as these can be a clear notice to a homeowner that something is not right in your home which can be tainting the indoor air quality of your home, ruining the surfaces in your home, and even contributing to certain health effects that an occupant may have begun to experience strictly within this indoor space.

The process of detecting and identifying mold inside of a home is never an easy task, and there are many components to consider when looking for mold indoors. Humidity, temperature, moisture, and other conditions within a home can be the underlying culprit behind mold growth in these environments. Also, certain tell-tale signs in your home like musty odors, discoloration on surfaces, exposure symptoms in home occupants, and even moisture intrusions in a home can all give insight into a potential mold infestation in your most sacred space your home.

In this article we are going to learn more about how to find hidden mold in your house, how mold forms in this indoor space, and the best remediation methods to eliminating airborne mold microorganisms from the polluted air of your home.

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What Are Signs Of Mold In Your House

Homes are supposed to shield us from the harmful things outside like water, wind, and extreme temperatures. Sometimes, however, our houses fail to provide the necessary shelter and moisture enters our house and allows mold to grow.

If there is adequate moisture mold can grow in our bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. Mold can also grow undetected inside of our walls.

As someone who grew up with allergies, Im vigilant about monitoring moisture inside my home. I have felt the effects of mold allergy symptoms and suffered for a long time.

In addition to health problems, mold can cause structural damage and damage to furniture inside a house.

Below Ill share 13 important signs of mold in your house. Growing up I remember seeing mold in my bathroom and near windows. At the time I didnt realize it but the fungus was affecting the quality of my life.

Youre Coughing But Dont Have A Cold

The mycotoxin spores can find their way into your lungs and lead to a chronic, lingering cough. Your next step should be a call to an allergist. Testing by a board-certified allergist is most helpful, advises Dr. Parikh. There is a lot of mold testing out there that is not evidence-based. If you get a positive test for mold, the next step is to hire a mold eradication expert and address the problem.

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You Smell Mold Or Have Reason To Believe Your Are Exposed To Mold

So you think you smell mold and you are looking for the source. Where do you look and how will you recognize it? That is what we will consider in this article.

If a building smells moldy, you may suspect mold even if you can’t see it. You may suspect mold if you know there has been a moisture problem in the building and its occupants are reporting health problems. Often what is smelled is actually being emitted from bacteria that are also growing on these materials and competing with the mold. Building materials may release smells as they are broken down also. All of this may be toxic and have health effects. Unfortunately, you can have mold and it may not be associated with any smells and makes people think there is no mold.

The Bottom Line On Testing For Mold

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The cleanup procedures for treating mold are the same, whether it is black mold or another type, so it isnt always necessary to test for mold if you can see or smell it. But if you have a specific reason for identifying types of mold in your home or suspect you have mold but cant find the source, a do-it-yourself mold test is extremely easy to conduct.

Also Check: What Is The Treatment For Black Mold Exposure

How To Know If You Have Mold In Your House

Below we will discuss the key signs of mold growth in your home and what these signs can do to your indoor environment.

Visible Discoloration on Surfaces

One of the most obvious signs of mold in a home will be discoloration that is present on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in a home. If you see a ton of visible mold than the problem may be bigger than you may have initially thought.

Health Effects in Occupants

Have you started to notice that certain health symptoms are present only within the confined space of your home? If this is the case then you may have a mold problem on your hands, that is continually growing in your personal indoor environment. Health symptoms that mold can trigger can include allergy-type symptoms like coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, etc.

Musty Smell

The distinct smell of mildew or mustiness in a home may also be another indicator of mold growth in a home. Many different species of mold will produce a moldy odor into the environment and this smell can be spread throughout the air space, alerting the occupant of a problem in their home. Once this smell starts to become apparent in your home it will be necessary to begin your searching for mold in the environment.

Flooding or Moisture Intrusions

Issues That Cause Mold And Mildew

Moisture is the chief cause behind the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores entering your home are inevitable this is difficult to stop. But you can stop the factors that help mold and mildew to grow. Besides moisture, lack of sunlight, poor ventilation, and dirt and debris can cause mold and mildew to grow. Because of this, mold and mildew tend to develop in the home:

  • Under carpeting

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Testing For Mold In The House

If you suspect you have mold growth in your house, its important to determine the type of mold and severity of the growth with a mold inspection. In some cases, mold has been suspected of making people sick, causing allergic reactions, and leading to expensive repairs if left untreated.

Also, bear in mind that mold remediation only removes the symptom. Therefore, if you want to have peace of mind about the health of you, your family, and your home, then locate the source of the moisture leaking into your home and make those repairs as you clean up the mold. When testing for mold in the house, professional services are available to help you find hidden mold and moisture problems in your home.

Your Attic Insulation Is Lumpy

How to Get Rid of Mold | The Home Depot

Wave off the spider webs and take a closer look at the insulation in your attic. Attic insulation that is very lumpy and uneven-looking may mean a bigger problem, says John Bodrozic, Co-Founder of HomeZada.The insulation could be in bad shape due to unforeseen roof leaks, which could also mean potential mold issues. If your attic has poor circulation or improper ventilation, it could create ideal conditions for mold growth.

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Stale And Musty Odors

Mold, whether it is visible or not, emits an unusual and unpleasant odor. If an area in your home persistently smells musty, there is a good possibility there is mold in the room. You can follow the odor to where it is strongest, find the mold and remove it. However, if the mold is in an unreachable place, like inside walls, you need to call in a professional to help you remove the growth

Why Does Mold Cause A Pungent Odor

Mold growth itself does not smell bad. It is the off-gases that are let off by mold growth called Microbial Organic Compounds .

The dank musty odor signifies the presence of microbial volatile organic compounds . Traditional volatile organic compounds are mainly industrial made chemicals with low molecular weights, high vapor pressure and low water solubility. MVOCs are released from metabolic processes of decay agents like fungi, bacteria and biofilm. The off gassing of MVOCs include a wide range of alcohols, ketones, aldehyde, esters, carboxylic acids, lactones, terpenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen compounds.

You don’t need to know scientifically how MVOC’s are formed, however, you must know it is caused in most causes by water damaged porous materials. This could mean drywall, clothes, flooring, etc.

Bottom line is this:

If you have had a leak in your home that was not dried up properly or maybe a hidden leak that led to mold growth

Bingo!

You have identified mold as the source of the moldy smell in your home.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On Pool Deck

Condensation On Windows Window Frames And Sills

  • Promptly repair any leaks.
  • Lower the indoor moisture levels.
  • Use exhaust bathroom fans and a kitchen range hood.
  • Keep window coverings open to move the warm air over the windows .
  • Keep baseboards or heating vents clear of furniture to make sure the heat flows.
  • Dry your window frames and sills daily to keep water from dripping and causing mould to grow.
  • Leave interior doors open for good air and heat flow.
  • Unplug and remove humidifiers.

How To Remove Mold

Green Mold in House
  • Wear old clothes and shoes that you can launder or throw away after the cleanup work.
  • Wear special N-95 or P-100 respirators, in addition to goggles and gloves.
  • Set an old box fan or a cheap new one in a window to ventilate the room while working. Throw it out when you’re done cleaning, because the spores are almost impossible to clean off. Tape plywood or cardboard around the window openings so the spores can’t blow back in.
  • Wrap and tape moldy carpeting in 6-mil plastic, and double-bag mold-infested debris in garbage bags for disposal.
  • To control airborne spores, moisten moldy areas with a garden sprayer while you work.
  • Turn off your furnace and air conditioner and cover ducts and doors to contain spores.
  • Keep your wet/dry vacuum outside when you vacuum.

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Common Mold Hiding Places

All mold needs to grow is moisture, darkness and warmth, but where exactly should you look when you suspect a mold problem? Here are a few common places around the house where mold is likely to grow :

  • Behind appliances such as a refrigerator or dishwasher.
  • Behind drywalls where plumbing pipes are located.
  • Underneath cardboard or old newspapers.
  • Beneath sinks.
  • Under carpets, particularly in the padding.

Signs You Might Have Toxic Mold In Your Home

Seeing mold growing on an old piece of bread is creepy enough, but mold in the home is something next level. It might not be a problem you think about regularly, but if you feel like you have some weird health issues, you might be exhibiting some signs that you have toxic mold in your home. Since mold isn’t always visible or easy to spot, it’s important to know what to look out for so you can take care of any issues if you have some you don’t want your health to suffer just because your house looks clean enough.

“Although toxic mold can bring on the most serious health problems, all mold and mildew can cause health issues especially for those who suffer from allergies,” says Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and principal of RTK Environmental Group, over email. “An important thing to consider: Do you feel bad at home or at work, but feel better when you leave? Its very likely a mold or indoor air quality issue.”

If you suspect you have mold in your home, look out for these seven telltale signs. These signs can help you identify a potential problem, but if you feel that mold has made its way in, schedule a test. An independent testing company will provide you with an unbiased assessment of the situation, determine what type of mold is growing in your home, and determine the proper course of action to remove it.

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