Mold is a serious issue for property owners. If left untreated, mold can spread, damaging your property’s structural integrity, threatening your health and leading to costly repairs. It’s vital for you to be aware of the signs of mold, so you can take action fast to solve the problems mold creates.
What Makes Mold a Danger to Your Property?
Mold is a fungus that grows in warm, moist environments. It is present just about everywhere and can thrive on almost any surface. When left unchecked on your property, mold becomes destructive. Some molds are toxic, making them a danger to your health. And all forms of mold cause damage if not remediated swiftly and thoroughly. This is why it’s crucial to quickly identify mold problems and eradicate them.
How Do You Identify a Mold Problem?
The following 5 signs indicate possible mold growth in your home, office or commercial property. If you experience any of these issues, you should have your property tested and, if necessary, develop a mold remediation plan.
Musty Odor
The most common sign of mold is a mildew smell. In fact, this unpleasant, musty odor is often the first sign of mold growth and may be the only warning you get that there is a problem. So if you notice a damp, moldy smell, it’s time to thoroughly inspect your property to locate the source of the mold and address it before it spreads.
Allergy Symptoms
If you experience allergy symptoms that flare up when you are on your property yet clear up when you leave, there’s a strong likelihood that mold is the culprit. Many people are allergic to mold, and it doesn’t take a large amount of mold to trigger strong allergic responses. Typical symptoms of a mold allergy include a runny nose, nasal congestion, inflamed or itchy eyes and sneezing.
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Visual Spots or Stains
One of the more obvious signs of mold is seeing spots or other odd discolorations on walls, sheetrock, fabrics or anything that has been exposed to moisture. Your bathroom ceilings, tile grout and shower curtains are not immune. Mold can appear in many colors — gray, white, black, green or even pinkish or orange if it has grown behind vinyl wallpaper. It may even look blotchy, like dirt or soot. Black mold is especially dangerous, so if you see something you suspect is black mold, have it checked by a professional immediately.
Condensation and Other Signs of Moisture
Condensation on glass window surfaces or metal pipes is clear evidence that you have an excess of moisture on your property. Windows may appear wet or foggy. Water stains are an obvious sign of a moisture problem. Paint or wallpaper that is bubbling, cracking or peeling is also evidence of moisture. And where there is moisture, there is almost always mold.
Flooding or Water Leaks
The final clue that you may have mold on your property is a flood event or water leak. Whenever water has been running freely in some part of your home, office or commercial property, you can expect mold to grow. Be aware that floods and water leaks can lead to mold growth in areas where you might not otherwise suspect it. So it’s important to have your property professional checked for mold after any flooding or water leaks you experience.
1. Steps to Take:
If you detect any of these signs of mold in your home, there are some actions you can take to improve the situation:
2. Get a Dehumidifier
The first line of defense is to purchase a dehumidifier, which will help remove excess moisture from the air, limiting additional mold growth. This will not eliminate mold that is already present, however.
3. Use a Home Mold Kit
Do-it-yourself mold test kits can help you track down any mold growth that you suspect is a problem on your property. These kits are easy to use and can yield reliable results, but professional inspectors are better at finding hidden mold in air ducts, HVAC units or within walls.
Hire a Certified Mold Inspector
Licensed mold inspectors are trained to detect mold wherever it may be lurking. And they are qualified and equipped to remediate your mold problem once and for all.
We’re Here to Help!
When you suspect a mold problem in your home, office or commercial property, or when you have a flood or water leak that could lead to mold, it’s time to contact TRILINK for professional, fast mold remediation. We are your trusted partner in restoring your property after water damage. Call us today at 405-525-5465 to find out how we can help rid your property of mold.
