Has your home been smelling something… off? Maybe you’ve been coughing or sneezing more than usual. If these problems sound familiar, you might be dealing with a mold problem.
There are many types of mold that can invade a home, but black mold is among the worst; it can cause serious problems to your house and your health. It can also be hard to spot, though.
How do you know if you’re dealing with black mold? There are five major signs that your home has a mold problem.
Black Mold on Walls
There’s one easy way to tell if you have black mold: look for it. Mold is usually a visible growth, so as long as it’s on a surface you can see, you’ll be able to notice it.
Different types of mold have distinct appearances. Many are furry, or look like large stains. Black mold in particular usually appears as a series of small, dark spots across an area.
Mold grows in damp, dark spaces and is often found in corners. These should be the first areas you check when looking for mold.
Musty Odors
There’s another easy check for mold: does your house pass the smell test? Odd odors are a common symptom of mold infestations. Musty and damp scents are often indicators that you’re dealing with mold.
If you notice a strong, consistent mold odor, you might be able to follow it to the source. If there’s no visible mold in the bad-smelling area, it might be somewhere you can’t see, such as within a wall.
Allergies and Other Health Issues
Mold is known for causing allergic reactions, on top of other health problems. Sneezing, coughing, sore throats, and headaches are all common side effects of black mold.
Mold can also be responsible for more serious health issues; difficulty breathing and other respiratory troubles can result from black mold spores.
Worse, black mold can be highly toxic. This goes beyond runny noses; toxic black mold can cause organ damage and increase cancer risk.
While unsightly stains and bad smells are unpleasant, it’s these health concerns that make dealing with mold a top priority. If you are having mold issues, don’t wait! Arrange for mold remediation immediately.
High Moisture Levels
If you have a lot of moisture in your home, there’s a good chance you have mold growing somewhere. Black mold thrives on moisture; make sure to check moist areas frequently for mold growth.
Condensation in windows is a common way for moisture to invade a home, bringing mold with it. Window air conditioning units are also common culprits of causing excess moisture.
Leaks and Flooding
Does your home have a history of flooding? If so, it’s a safe bet that you have (or will develop) a mold problem. The massive influx of moisture from a flood is the perfect way for mold to infiltrate a home.
Leaky pipes are also a concern. The moisture from the leak, combined with the dark environment of a cabinet or inside of a wall, is an ideal breeding ground for mold.
Keep Your Home Safe From Black Mold
Black mold can be hazardous to your home and, more importantly, your health. If you suspect you may have a mold issue, deal with it sooner rather than later.
Check potential problem areas in your home: dark, moist places. Investigate odd smells. Above all, if you find any evidence of mold, call a professional! Schedule your mold remediation today!
