Mold is a serious issue that can damage property and may pose health risks. With expert tips, we’ll explain how to spot signs of mold in your house and what to do about it.
Common signs of mold include musty odors, visible dark spots on walls or ceilings, and peeling or bubbling paint. You might also notice increased allergy symptoms, water stains, or areas that feel damp to the touch. If you see any of these signs, don’t wait to check it out. Mold spreads fast, so the sooner you look into it, the better chance you have of stopping it.
Richard Reid of Universal Restoration of North Florida in Jacksonville provided us with professional advice on signs of mold in your home. A musty smell, visible discoloration, allergy-like symptoms, and recent moisture issues are all common signs, he says.
Musty Odors
Mold often has a distinctive scent that can help you detect its presence. The smell is musty and damp, like wet cardboard or old wood, and is often the first sign of mold, showing up before you can see it.
You might notice this smell in areas with poor air circulation, water leaks, or high humidity. Here are common sources of that musty, damp smell:
- HVAC systems: If you smell a musty odor coming from your air vents when running the AC or heat, this could mean you have mold in your ductwork or inside the unit itself.
- Behind walls: Especially after rain, a musty smell that persists close to windows, walls, or outlets frequently indicates hidden mold growth and water damage.
- Basements, crawl spaces, and attics: In these hidden spaces, the smell typically signals a mold problem caused by poor ventilation, high humidity, or excess moisture, possibly from an undiscovered leak.
- Bathrooms: Your tub and shower are common places to find mold, and the smell may get stronger when the bathroom steams up after bathing.
See Related:
— How to Prevent Mold in your Bathroom
— How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom
- Laundry rooms: Mold can easily grow in washing machines (or underneath if there’s no drain pan) and behind walls if there’s a hidden plumbing leak.
Discolored or Distorted Surfaces
Mold can be a stealthy intruder, often hiding in plain sight. Here are some telltale visual signs that you may have an unwelcome fungal guest:
- Water stains: These mysterious brown or tan stains on walls, ceilings, or floors can signal past water damage and potential mold breeding grounds.
- Visible mold: Mold can appear as spots or patches in various colors (black, white, green, gray, and brown). It often disguises itself as simple discoloration or staining on surfaces.
- Bulging surfaces: If parts of your walls, floor, or ceiling start to warp or bulge, it could be from a moisture problem that will encourage mold growth.
- Peeling paint: Take notice if your wall paint is peeling or bubbling. This can be a sign of moisture buildup behind the scenes, creating a hidden mold haven.
See Related: How to Get Rid of Mold on Walls
Allergies or Respiratory Symptoms
While not definitive proof of mold in your home, certain health symptoms may indicate its presence. Reid says that worsening allergies are a common, but less obvious, sign of mold that people tend to miss.
- Allergic reactions: Frequent sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and skin irritation.
- Respiratory issues: Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, especially if you have asthma or other pre-existing breathing problems.
- Unexplained symptoms: Persistent headaches or unusual tiredness when spending time in certain areas of your home.
See Related: Health Risks of Mold in Your Home
Environmental Risk Factors
Certain conditions within your home can create the perfect breeding ground for mold. According to Reid, “The areas most susceptible to mold are any places where the humidity is elevated. This could be your garage, laundry room, or anywhere a water intrusion can occur (windows, doors, broken pipes, etc.).”
Here are three key factors to watch out for:
- High humidity: When there’s too much moisture in the air inside your home, mold can grow more easily. Indoor moisture levels should be kept below 60%, preferably between 30% and 50%.
- Condensation: If you often see water droplets on windows, pipes, or walls, it could mean there’s too much moisture. This can lead to mold.
- Water damage: Areas affected by past leaks or flooding can be ideal breeding grounds for mold, even long after the damage was done.
What to Do if You Suspect Mold
If you suspect mold in your home, here are a few things you can do to address the problem quickly:
- Tackle moisture issues: Mold thrives in damp places. Find and repair any leaks or damp spots to prevent further mold growth.
- Clean moldy areas: For sections of mold smaller than 10 square feet, you may be able to treat at home. There are a number of DIY and commercial products to treat mold. Porous surfaces like drywall may need to be replaced.
See Related: How to Get Rid of Black Mold
- Inspect appliances: Regularly check for mold in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, and washing machines. It can hide in the seals, drip pans, and filters.
See Related: How to Clean Mold from Your Washing Machine
- Keep yourself safe: When cleaning mold yourself, wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent coming in contact with the spores.
- Call in the pros: For extensive mold, potentially hidden mold, or if you’re sensitive to the effects of mold spores, it’s best to consult with a mold remediation specialist.
Find a Mold Remediation Pro Near You
Catching mold early is important for a healthy home. To keep mold away, know the signs of mold in your home, such as musty odors, discolored or distorted surfaces, and allergies or respiratory symptoms.
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Main Image Credit: Andrey Popov / Adobe Stock Free / License
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