A Musty Smell is One of the Signs of Mold in the Home
Often, detecting a musty or damp odor is the only way to tell that there is mold growing in your house. Don’t ignore this smell simply because you don’t see visible mold. Try to locate the source. Call a professional to test your home for mold before the problem gets worse.
Symptoms of Allergies
Pay attention to allergy symptoms that you or family members are experiencing, because this is one of the most common signs of mold in the home. Among other symptoms, reactions to mold growth can include itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, congestion, headache, and runny nose.
It’s especially likely that your symptoms are caused by mold if they improve or stop altogether once you’re away from the house.
Seeing Mold Growth
Although this might seem obvious, keep in mind that some people mistake mold for dirt or soot. Even the smallest patch of mold growth needs to be treated immediately. Those tiny spots can quickly spread and be a bigger problem.
Small patches of mold also warn you that there are conditions in the home causing it. Don’t ignore this sign. Take steps to remedy an environment that is conducive to mold.
Signs of Mold in Your Home Include Water Issues
If you’ve had any water leaks, then it’s likely that mold will appear in the home. Signs of moisture problems include discoloration on walls, floors, and ceilings.
Assume that conditions are right for mold if you see signs of water damage. Other surface issues that indicate a moisture problem include:
- bubbling, peeling, and cracking of wallpaper or paint
- warped, bulging, and bowed walls
- damp surfaces
Flooding in the Home’s Past
If you have experienced flooding in your home, it’s likely that mold is growing somewhere. Inspect the areas where the flooding was the worst. This may be in the basement area or on the first floor of the home. A flood puts you at risk for mold growth under floors and behind walls.
Condensation
Condensation in your home is an indication of possible mold growth. You might notice water condensing on metal pipes or glass windows. Condensation means you have humidity problems in the house and this excess moisture creates the right environment for mold.
Watch for signs of mold in your home, hire a professional to test for mold, and take appropriate action to eliminate the problem.
Sunrise Home Inspection offers home inspection services, including mold inspections in Eastern Connecticut and Western Rhode Island. Contact us to request an appointment.