If your home or business has visible mold, you know you have a problem. But, a mold problem can be more subtle and difficult to detect. Mold spores are a natural part of the environment and exist everywhere. Unfortunately, when the level of mold spores in our homes or workplaces becomes too high, it can become toxic.
When this happens, it can lead to severe health issues and structural damage. This makes it crucial to determine whether mold remediation becomes necessary, so let’s look at some situations when mold remediation may be necessary.
Water Damage
Mold thrives in humid conditions, and if water damage is occurring and left unsolved for long, mold is likely to grow. The water does not even need to rest very long, as mold can be growing within 48 hours of water damage. This makes it important to solve water damage quickly to minimize the spread.
Some common signs of water damage include water spots, moisture, or sagging plaster or drywall on the walls or ceilings, as well as puddling along the floor. If you notice wet spots, spongy flooring, and loose tiles, these could all be signs of a leaking pipe underneath the floor. Another place you should periodically check is under sinks and other water fixtures for signs of leakage.
Visible Discoloration on Walls & Ceilings
As mold infests material such as your wall or wallpaper, it feeds on it, and generally, this leads to a change in color. If this goes on long enough, it can serve as a clear signal that there is a problem. However, don’t assume that this color will be an ordinary shade of green or black.
Depending on the materials and humidity in your home, different species of mold can take hold with very different appearances in both color and consistency. Mold species can come in many different colors, including white, gray, red, brown, and even shades of pastel. They can appear fuzzy, like dust, or even like granules of sand. If your walls or ceilings are becoming discolored at all, it is a good idea to call a mold remediation expert.
Musty Odors
When mold infests a space, it releases a musty odor, and though this may not be pleasant, it is often one of the first warning signs you have a mold problem. If you suspect it may be coming from behind the walls, a good way to tell is to smell near an electrical outlet. These have better access to the inside of the walls.
However, keep in mind that just because you can’t detect the odor does not mean it isn’t there. Only a professional mold remediation expert can guarantee this.
Health Issues
Your body is adapted to the presence of a certain amount of mold, but when the level gets too high, it can cause allergic reactions, respiratory infection, and worse. So if staying in your home or workplace too long causes you to feel symptoms such as weakness, headaches, respiratory problems, or allergic symptoms, this is a sure sign of mold.
Final Thoughts
Mold can be a subtle problem that affects many homes and businesses without the owners ever noticing. But the danger mold poses should not be underestimated. Mold can result in severe health and structural issues. This is why it is important to call a mold remediation expert at the first signs of an infestation.
Contact Us
For more information on the signs mold may be present, or if your home or business is in need of mold remediation, call ABH Services Inc. at (781) 941-2422. You can also connect with us on Facebook for more helpful information like this.