5 SIGNS YOU MIGHT NEED A MOLD EXPERT
There are more than 1,000 distinct assortments of mold, with black mold (stachybotrys) being the most well-known found in households. Some can be seen in a few colors from brown or green, to blue and pink, and white. Some are invisible. Regardless of what kind it is, mold can be a serious issue if left untreated and should be remediated from your home straightaway.
Mold isn’t effectively distinguishable all of the time. It is most generally found in cellars and washrooms where buildup and humidity can be high. It can likewise be brought about by inadequately ventilated dryers, dishwashing machines, flooding, or leaks. Because although mold does not grow on vents, it does grow on the dust on vents.
The following are five interesting points to consider while looking for mold: 1. Odd Smells
A musty, earthy odor is one of the most telling signs of mold. Mold may be detectable in your home if it has been closed for a few days and then reopened.
Remember that you might not always be able to see mold, so if you think you smell it, get a mold inspection to figure out where it’s coming from.
Growth of Mold
The rate at which black mold grows is a telltale sign. Black mold is a splotchy, black or brownish mold that can spread quickly. It’s critical to act quickly if you notice even a small area of black mold because these are most prone to allergens.
Green, blue, and pink mold are some of the other molds that can be found growing. On the walls and ceilings, white mold can be more difficult to spot.
Symptoms in your health
Mold sickness is one of the symptoms of mold exposure, and it can be serious in some circumstances. Mold, especially if you have allergies or asthma, can exacerbate your symptoms to the point that you feel ill because it is a type of allergen (respiratory irritant) and it affects people differently.
Spending some time outside of your home to see if the symptoms persist is one way to test the theory. If your symptoms improve while you’re away, you may want to have your property tested for mold or allergens. Runny or itchy nose and watery eyes are two symptoms to be aware of. Coughing, sneezing, and skin irritations are all possible side effects. Headaches, irritability, confusion, losing your voice can all be symptoms. Remember a mold assessor is not a doctor and cannot treat you but can test the property to find the cause and create a protocol for remediation. Most people show signs of relief within a day of having the issues resolved.
Water leaks or floods
If you’ve ever had flooding or a water leak in your home, there’s a good possibility mold is developing where the water was. Mold can grow beneath your floorboards and behind paint. It’s typical to find it behind the wall near dripping sink pipes.
Condensation
Mold spores are continually drifting through the air, but they can start to grow if they land on a damp surface.
Condensation on your doors and windows indicates that there is moisture in your home, which will eventually lead to mold. Condensation is another sign of a high humidity level in your home. Mold thrives in humid areas because it requires moisture to develop and thrive.
A dehumidifier is a good investment. A decent dehumidifier will allow you to control the humidity level in your home, allowing you to get rid of the dampness. In the meanwhile, a mold inspection should be performed to locate and destroy any mold that has grown due to the damp atmosphere. We also recommend running your bath fan for 30 min after a hot shower to minimize humidity.
How to test for mold
If there are visible signs you suspect mold, or have developed new allergens or musty smells we recommend a NORMI licensed assessor to test your property. The results are sent to an independent lab to determine the sort of mold it is. The type of mold helps determine where it is growing. The hygienist will re-test the remediated area for clearance after the mold treatment is completed. The rebuild can begin the drywall repairs and reconstruction process once a clearance certificate has been received.
Mold testing is normally done by specialists, so if you suspect mold in your house, you should hire a licensed inspector to locate it for you. In areas of your home where mold is most prone to grow, he or she will utilize a specialist mold test kit.
Mold test kits are available on the market, but they are pricey. You might not be able to discover the mold even if it’s present if you don’t know how to use them properly.
Final Thoughts
Mold plays an important role in nature by decomposing decaying organic substances. When left untreated, mold eats away at organic materials such as paper, drywall, wood, and some carpets, business materials and can cause significant property damage.
The best thing you can do to prevent mold in your home is to fix any leaks or dampness and change your air filter every month. Repairing leaks may not be enough to address the problem if it was not dried properly . Mold will grow anywhere there is moisture, so after a leak has been repaired, ensure all water has been dried and removed from the area.
Even while minor amounts of mold can be cleaned up with a 50/50 bleach and water solution, attempting to eradicate mold on your own is not suggested because the spores can spread to other regions that are not affected. If you must clean up small spots of mold, wear a mask to avoid breathing mold spores and chemicals.
It is critical to seek the assistance of a mold remediation firm for greater issues. They can find and remove the mold, as well as provide you with ideas and guidance on how to keep it from returning.
Please contact Drytech 24/7 if you have any additional questions or are concerned about a mold problem in your house.
DryTech 24/7 can provide mold inspections in your office or place of business to detect if mold is an issue. Although some types of mold are visible to the naked eye, other types are not as easily detected. Early detection of mold issues may prevent costly clean-up and repair once discovered. Additionally, early detection may prevent the onset of health issues for family, employees, and clients. Our professionals have been trained and qualified to confine and remove mold from afflicted sections of a home or other structure while avoiding cross-contamination.