Mold is never a pleasant thing to discover, and it comes about unexpectedly. Whether you’ve just moved into a home or have owned it for a long time, mold isn’t always easy to spot.
You might be able to see some tell-tale signs, but that tends to happen when the mold has increased and is visible. This also means that taking care of the mold issue will likely incur a higher cost.
However, if you’re able to spot it early on, you can prevent damage and lower the cost associated with getting rid of it.
Walls tend to be a prime target for fungus-like mold to grow, and you might be able to identify mold early because of this. Because of the excess moisture, walls may begin to crack, peel, or bubble as it collects.
This leads to an increased probability of mold, and getting it checked early is key. While some cracking and peeling of wall paint is inevitable with age, it still bears observation. If you’re noticing more damage than usual, especially if it’s been done recently, then it’s worth having a mold inspection completed.
Where there is standing water or excess moisture, the chances of mold increases. If you suddenly spot discolored walls, or you know there has been recent water damage, you should be keeping an eye out for mold.
You can learn how to identify mold by staying vigilant and deep cleaning areas near water or moisture more frequently. This includes sinks, bathrooms, and showers and basements, and other areas of the house where there is a higher risk of leakage.
The last sign of mold that we’ll discuss is the smell. When there is a mold issue, rooms will smell musty and old, like the area hasn’t had fresh air for days. If it’s gotten to that point where there is a noticeable odor, the mold has increased. It is vital to get it tested and inspected before it spreads even further.
However, the main reason for flagging this is that you need to monitor smells and odors in the house. We often get used to certain smells and therefore don’t sound the alarm, especially if it’s been going on for a while. But one whiff of that musty odor is all you need to get a proper test and inspection done.
Even when you suspect mold, it’s better to bypass mold testing kits and opt for a home inspector instead. Mold testing kits have been known to be unreliable and will ultimately delay any necessary mold removal.
Mold is not only dangerous for the structure of the house but also for your health. Numerous respiratory and lung issues have been linked back to mold, so removing it as soon as possible is vital.
If you’re unsure how to identify mold, but you think you may have spotted some signs, work with a home inspection company. Without an expert eye guiding the process, there are chances that the mold may reoccur if it’s not a thorough removal process.
When you work with an experienced home inspection company, they can remove the mold and help you understand how to identify mold going forward. Plus, they will guide you in what preventative measures might mitigate some damage that mold can cause. If you’d like to learn more, schedule a free consultation on our expert mold removal services today!
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