It’s not very easy to identify if your home has a problem with mold. If you live in Minnesota—land of ten thousand lakes and drastic seasonal changes—chances are you’ve had issues with excess water in your home in some form.
Sadly, there is a surplus of websites and articles out there telling you how to get rid of mold yourself, but take it from the experts, the health of your family should not be a DIY project. Getting a mold investigation is a great way to ensure that your home is safe and your family stays healthy.
Signs of Mold
If you have one or more of the following signs, then there is a high chance that your home may have a mold infestation in your home.
Damp, Rotten, or Musty Smell
An unknown odor of something damp, rotten, or musty coming from inside your home is a telltale sign of water damage and mold growth. Especially in older homes or basements, water may collect in the floors or walls without any visible indicators other than a bad smell.
Moldy Spots on Cloth and Carpets
If you own any clothing, carpets, or rugs with suspicious black/white spots with a slimy, fuzzy texture, throw them out right away. When cloth items are left in damp areas, they can trap moisture and harbor mold growth. If this happens often, you may have a bigger problem than a leaky appliance or a messy housemate and it may be time to call a professional.
Mildew Buildup on Furniture
Porous materials like leather, foam, and wood attract many types of mold. Keep an eye on your furniture, especially on the legs and surfaces that are harder to reach or less often seen. Look for discolored spots, patches of fuzz, or spores.
Water Damage
Mold growth thrives in damp, moist places. Previous water damage that was not properly cleaned may result in lingering damage and mold development.
Discolored Tiles
Tiled areas of a home are perhaps the most exposed to water. The grout between your tiled floors, bathrooms, or kitchen can develop discoloration, spots, or a buildup of gunk.
Black Spots on your A/C Filter
When was the last time you took a good look at you’re A/C filter? Do you notice any black or fuzzy spots? Does it smell musty or rotten? If you say yes to any of these, then it may be time to get a new A/C filter before it develops into a larger problem.
Bubbles in Walls
Warped walls or areas with air bubbles under the paint or wallpaper are clear indicators of water damage–and likely mold growth. These are clear signs that your walls are already damaged and that you should call a mold removal professional right away.
Signs of Mold Affecting Your Health
If mold is not taken care of properly or if it is unnoticed altogether, it may start affecting your health and the health of your family. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, they may signify an air quality or mold problem in your home:
- Nonstop cold symptoms
- Asthma flare-ups or severe allergy symptoms
- Sinus issues
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Skin irritation and/or rashes
- Chronic fatigue
- Returning or consistent headaches
- Irritable eyes
Tips for Preventing Mold
Mold grows most often in the spring and late fall. It peaks the most from July to late summer, since these are the months with the most rain. However, mold can lay dormant for years. Here are some tips to help prevent mold from forming before it becomes serious:
- Keep the air around your home circulating
- Keep everything as clean as possible
- Consider investing in a dehumidifier
- Keep damp areas as dry as possible
Just because you cannot see or smell mold, does not mean it isn’t affecting the health of you or your family. Pure Breathing Solutions offers certified mold testing and investigations which will help ensure that your home is free of any dangerous mold. Your family’s health and safety are Pure Breathing Solution’s top priorities, and our team will do everything we can to ensure your home stays mold free.
Set up a mold investigation by reaching out to our team today!