15 Signs That Your Home Needs Mold Inspection and Testing

Most likely, you’ve heard horror stories of household mold. Mold is more than a cosmetic issue. Mold can cause havoc in your home, and even harm to your health.

Mold is usually out of sight, which makes it even more alarming. Mold can thrive in humid, hot environments. It may also be hidden in the corners of your house, such as attics, basements, crawlspaces and basements. It is possible that you may not be aware of a mold infestation until it’s too late.

You can protect your family and property by detecting mold as soon as possible. But you must be aware of warning signs. These 15 red flags may indicate that you should call a professional agency for mold testing and inspection.

1. Allergic Reactions

Mold-related reactions and seasonal allergies are often confused. You can tell the difference by observing when symptoms are at their peak. Mold is likely to be the cause of your allergies if they worsen indoors rather than outside.

Mold irritates everyone, not just those with allergies. Mold exposure can cause a number of symptoms.

• Runny or stuffy nasal discharge
• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Dry skin
• Coughing, sneezing and congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Sore throat

People with allergies may have a more severe reaction to toxic molds such as:

• Chest colds
• Dizziness
• Migraines

Mold is a serious health risk that can affect your health and the health of your family. If you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of mold, contact a certified mold testing and inspection specialist as soon possible.

2. Asthma Flare-Ups

Allergies aren’t always the only problem in your family. Mold in the home can also cause breathing problems and asthma attacks.

Mold can worsen asthma for those who already have it. According to research from the American Lung Association, asthmatic patients allergic to mold have decreased lung function. They may even die of related complications.

3. Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time? Mold in your home could be causing you to feel tired.

Mold can cause your immune system to go into overdrive and increase the energy expenditure of your body. You will feel tired even if your sleep is adequate and you eat well. Some mycotoxins are also linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Consider hiring Morrell Inspection Services LLC to conduct a mold testing and inspection. We inspect every inch of your house for toxic mold, and provide a detailed report on our findings. We are honest and have no hidden agendas.

4. Skin Rashes

You may be wrong if you believe that mold is only a respiratory problem. Mold allergies can cause hives in people who are allergic to the spores.

These rashes can be difficult to distinguish because they look similar to any other type of allergic reaction. Do not delay in scheduling a mold examination. Better to be safe than sorry. Be careful not to scratch excessively: excessive friction can cause skin damage and infection.

5. Strange Smells

The musty smell of mold increases with the spread of the infestation. The more pronounced the smell, the worse the problem.

Mold can cause your home to smell strangely, especially when it rains or the windows and doors are closed.

6. Stains on Walls

Mold is easily identified by discolored walls. Mold usually grows on the ceiling or along the baseboards.

Mold does not always look like black fuzz. It comes in a variety of colors. Orange, green and pink are just a few examples. If you notice any suspicious stains, it is worth scheduling a service for mold testing and inspection.

7. Tenant complaints

Mold is the last thing a landlord wants to hear from their tenants. Mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Your tenants might attribute their health problems to a mold problem.

You must act quickly to avoid any legal action. Begin your mold investigation by interviewing tenants and performing a visual inspection of the property. If that doesn’t work, call in the experts immediately. You do not want to risk further aggravating the dispute.

8. Persistent Water Leaks

Mold is often preceded by moisture damage. Mold may develop if you have a constant water leak. Be sure to repair the leak and dry out the area as soon as possible. Schedule a mold test to determine if mold is present in the affected area. Proactivity is key!

9. High Humidity

According to EPA, indoor humidity levels above 60% can promote mold growth in the home. It’s important to check your home for mold if you live in an area that is humid or if you use steamers and stoves frequently.

A humidifier can help you to sleep better, but it may also lead to a mold outbreak. Mold can be avoided by taking the right preventative measures.

10. Gunk in Grouts

Bathrooms are known to harbor mold colonies. Mold infestations can be triggered by poor ventilation, leaky toilets and damp cellulose materials.

Due to the porous nature of tile grouts, mold can grow there. If you notice a black substance in your grout, it’s likely mold. Before cleaning, have it tested by a professional service that offers mold testing and inspection.

11. Peeling Wallpaper

Face it, your wallpaper will get a bit scruffy with time. That’s normal. If you notice unusual peeling, warping or buckling of the wall surfaces, this could be a sign that there is moisture present.

Mold will grow anywhere there is moisture. A timely Home Mold Inspection and test can prevent a serious infestation in the future. As soon as your wallpaper starts bubbling, call a mold expert.

12. Condensation on Windows

Condensation inside your windows can be a sign of high indoor humidity. This is another prime cause of mold. You must also reduce the humidity in your home. Use a dehumidifier, or open a window!

13. Fuzz on Furniture

You should be alert to any suspicious patches or stains on your furniture and upholstery. Mold is attracted by moist wood and leather, so it could take over your furniture sooner than you expect. If you notice mold on your fixtures, don’t hesitate to contact a company that offers mold testing and inspection.

14. Contaminated Carpets

Does your carpet smell funky? Are you seeing circular patterns of brown or green stains?

You may need to hire a mold inspector if the answer is “yes”. Mold can grow in carpeted areas, which are prone to spreading the mold infestation.

15. Sellers/Landlords not disclosing all information

Nobody expects to purchase a house with mold. You may end up with a nightmare if the seller does not disclose a mold issue.

Mold infestations can have a negative impact on your health. A hidden mold infestation can be very costly. Mold damage is usually only covered by insurance if the cause of it is a “named peril”. This means that there’s little guarantee that you will be able to make a claim.

If you think the seller was aware of the mold, but did not disclose it, then you may need to contact an attorney. This is an extremely messy and complicated situation.

Do not wait until you sign on the dotted lines before inspecting your property. Contact a mold testing and inspection firm before moving in to give yourself peace of mind.

In conclusion

Mold is a difficult problem to deal with. If you don’t deal with the mold problem immediately, it will only get worse. It’s important to check for mold immediately if you suspect it.