Does your home smell musty? Have you noticed signs of window condensation? If so, you’re likely to have an uninvited guest in the house, known as mold.
This fungus thrives in damp and humid spaces, and it isn’t always apparent to the eye of household residents. Nevertheless, even if you have the slightest doubt about fungus growth, you should hire professional assistance. There are numerous mold removal companies, such as AbraMoldRemoval.com, ensuring homes are safe and free of contamination.
If you notice any of the following seven signs, it’s time to contact the pros.
Flooding or water leaks
The first signs that indicate the presence of mold in your home are flooding or water leaks. If there has been a flood in your house, it should be regarded as a cause of concern. In such situations, standing water pools threaten to cause damage to your home, as well as speed up the process of mold growth.
Water leaks are sneakier, as they might develop behind drywall and other surfaces. They might be caused by leaky toilets, water pipes, and ceilings. Sometimes, even after having the leak fixed, mold might have already infested the surrounding areas.
Nevertheless, a mold removal company would help you clear away the water, dry the area out, and inspect the places affected by this fungus. Carpets and area rugs are considered to be breeding grounds for this fungus if they become wet or aren’t dried adequately.
Pipe leaks and roof leaks are hazardous as well. Homeowners often ignore them without realizing the scope of damage they might cause to their homes. Even the smallest water amounts are a reason for worries. Besides being repaired immediately, the area should be dried properly and monitored for the appearance of any further signs of mildew.
Condensation
Another indicator that you should request the assistance of a mold removal company is condensation. Although window condensation seems harmless, it’s enough to trigger a mold problem. The glass might not be at risk, but wooden frames are definitely threatened. Every time the condensation drips down, the wood absorbs it. Find out how to avoid and remove window condensation.
Bathroom windows are particularly prone to mold growth as they get regularly dampened. While bathroom condensation is challenging to put an end to, it can be reduced by treating the windows with a special protective coating. However, condensation on other windows in the house is an unmistakable sign of a humidity problem.
Homes where humidity is above sixty percent, are at greater risk of mold infestation. If these levels are accompanied by rusty pipes, excess moisture indeed exists and might lead to fungus formation. Professionals can help you measure humidity levels and remove any signs of mildew if it has already developed.
Discoloration
Another obvious sign of mold presence in your home is discoloration in the form of dark spots and yellow stains. This fungus has the capacity to alter the color of the material it feeds on, such as drywalls. After a certain period, discoloration becomes visible, and it can be easily spotted by homeowners. Anyhow, once discoloration has taken place, it means mold was already provided with enough time to spread.
Discoloration usually starts small and increases gradually in size. If recognized in the beginning, the risk of causing damage is much lower. The moment you spot signs of discoloration, waste no time hiring professionals to evaluate the extent of damage before commencing the process of removal.
Unpleasant smell
Another sign that indicates homeowners should hire a mold removal company is the unpleasant smell lingering in the house. If you sense a pungent and musty odor in some of the rooms, there might be a fungus thriving there. Even if you cannot see visible signs of damage, the place should be investigated for mildew presence.
In addition, this fungus thrives in humid and dark places, usually in attics, bathrooms, basements, etc. Sometimes, it may start growing inside the ventilation system, which is why air smells weird whenever you run your AC. If you suspect fungus growth within your home, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals to inspect the house and take the necessary actions.
Peeling wallpaper
Peeling wallpapers are obvious indicators of mold presence inside homes. When water gets into the drywall, it has a softening effect and pulls it away from the paint and wallpaper. It causes wallpapers to peel away and paint to crack.
Nevertheless, walls don’t tend to show visible signs of damage until a certain time period has passed. Consequently, the likelihood of mold growth is high, as it might be growing within the walls. The worse the damage becomes, the greater the threat of ruining the structural integrity of your house. Professional assistance is indispensable, as you need to get water damage and mildew problems under control.
Health issues
Even in the absence of physical mold growth signs, the health of family members might be an indicator of such an issue. This fungus induces cold-like symptoms in household residents, which persist in spite of treating them with medications or natural remedies.
When individuals breathe in such spores, they experience symptoms like wheezing, coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, nosebleeds, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, sore throat, watery eyes, etc. Irritated and itchy skin are possible adverse effects as well.
Ventilation issues
As mentioned previously, moisture is among the main factors inducing mold. It’s caused by high humidity levels, which result in moisture that forms on water pipes, windows, and other objects. In areas with poor ventilation, moisture doesn’t evaporate quickly, thus creating a mold-friendly environment.
The most common areas where a lack of ventilation seems to cause problems include bathrooms with no windows, kitchens, and basements. It’s highly likely for mildew to grow and spread in these areas, meaning you should contact professionals to locate and fix the root of the problem.
Final word
Never try to remove mold on your own but hire professionals to do so!
