Did you know that mold can cause health issues, such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, red and itchy eyes, and other respiratory effects? If you are allergic to mold or have asthma, your reaction can be even more severe. Mold isn’t just an unsightly annoyance, it’s also a threat to your health.
If you suspect that you have mold, you may need to schedule a mold inspection. A home mold inspection will detect any instances of mold (because if they’re there, they are not going away) and advise whether you should consider mold removal services. Read on to learn more about signs that you need to call the professionals.
1. There Is Visible Mold Growth
This is the most obvious outward sign of mold growth. If you see spots of mold on your walls, ceiling, floors, or on other areas of your home, you need an immediate inspection. If the mold is visible to you, there is a problem and you need to address it. Mold isn’t going to magically go away and you’ll need special tools to remove it.
2. The Humidity Is High
If you live in an area with high humidity, you have an optimal location for mold to grow. You should keep your relative humidity in your home below 60% (ideally between 30 and 50%). Newer thermostats can measure the relative humidity in your home and alert you when it rises too high.
Some ways to combat high humidity and prevent mold growth are using a fan in your bathroom when showering, keeping your air ducts clean, purchasing a dehumidifier, and ensuring that your home is properly ventilated. If your rooms feel damp (such as your bathroom or laundry room) or you see condensation on your windows, it may be a sign that your home’s humidity is high.
3. Your Health Is Suffering
Toxic black mold can negatively impact your health, so if you find that you are often sick with no explanation, you may have a mold problem. The mycotoxins in black mold cause respiratory problems, skin irritation and rashes, headaches and fatigue, and even nausea and vomiting.
These impacts are even worse if you have other medical conditions, such as severe allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses.
4. You Smell an Odor
Mold has a musty smell, which you may recognize from damp areas, such as basements. If you notice a musty smell in your home, particularly in areas like your laundry room, bathroom, attic/crawl spaces, or even your basement, there is a good chance you have mold.
The smell might be even more noticeable after heavy rain or during extreme weather changes.
5. You Have Standing Water in Your Home
Standing water causes many problems in and around your home. Outside, standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Indoors, standing water is an optimal location for mold spores to grow. Mold grows easily on the top of standing water and then spreads to other surfaces.
Do You Need Mold Inspection?
If you suspect you have mold in your home and any of the above situations sound familiar, you should contact a professional company to perform a mold inspection. From health impacts to damages to your home, mold can cause significant problems. Addressing it at the first signs will be much easier and less expensive for you.
HNST Mold Inspections can come to your home and test for mold and any other things that may be impacting your health, such as allergens, asbestos, and lead. Contact us today to schedule a time for one of our licensed mold assessors to inspect your home.
