It’s a common misconception that mold remediation is only necessary when you can see fuzzy black, slimy green or powdery white growth on your walls, ceilings or floors. However, mold may be present – and affecting your health – even if you can’t see it. That’s why you should be vigilant and watch for signs that your home needs mold remediation.
Water Intrusion
From a catastrophic flooding event to a persistent plumbing leak, any water intrusion could lead to mold growth. Even high humidity that causes condensation on cold surfaces could be enough to trigger growth.
It only takes 24 to 48 hours from the time water is introduced for mold to start growing. Therefore, if you just ran across flood water or a plumbing leak with no indication of how long it’s been there, you may want to hire a mold remediation company to test for mold.
Discolored Surfaces
In addition to water, mold needs an organic food source to grow. When a colony begins feeding on drywall, fiberboard, wood and other surfaces, the material tends to change color. This can help you spot mold colonies growing on the reverse side of thin objects, such as wallpaper and carpeting.
It’s also easy to spot stains on ceilings and walls that indicate hidden water intrusion. Since moisture is a key ingredient for mold growth, you may want to test for mold if you notice water damage in your home.
Musty Odor
Is your basement always stuffy? Does a musty smell come and go in your living room? Whether persistent or irregular, musty odors are a sign of mold growth, which you should have checked out as soon as possible.
Be aware that while many species are odorous while colonizing, others produce no smell at any time. That’s why odor alone shouldn’t determine whether remediation is necessary. Also, dead or dormant spores generally don’t produce musty smells, but they’re just as harmful to your health as actively colonizing mold.
Unexplained Health Symptoms
Do you experience allergy symptoms, congestion, respiratory problems, fatigue or headaches at home? Do your symptoms improve when you spend time outside? This could indicate an environmental hazard that’s making the air in your home unhealthy to breathe.
Humans are sensitive to excessive mold spores in the air, which form when there is an unacceptable level of fungal growth. Overexposure to excessive mold spores can worsen existing asthma symptoms, cause respiratory infections in people with chronic lung disease and even cause asthma to develop in young children. Don’t ignore mysterious health problems that could indicate hazardous mold growth!
If you suspect your home needs mold remediation, turn to DKI Services. Our technicians are trained in the proper techniques for removing mold and cleaning indoor air so it’s safe for your family to breathe. To learn more about our services, or to request a mold remediation assessment, please contact us today.