We all want to feel safe in our homes. Although your living space is designed to protect your family, the formation of mold can cause health issues. In addition, mold can cause damage to your property. To help you protect your family, we have created a list of the causes and signs of mold and ways to respond.
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Signs You Have Mold In Your Living Space
1. Bad Odors
Does something smell rotten, damp, or musty in your home? Are you having a hard time finding the source? The cause could be mold in your house. As mold grows, it releases chemicals that can cause that rotten smell.
2. Stains on Clothing
Have you noticed unusual discoloration or weird stains on your clothes? Do they feel wet when you touch them? This is actually a sign of mold. Dirty or damp clothes left in unventilated areas can develop mold.
3. Contaminated Carpet
Soft surfaces like carpets and rugs can be hotspots for mold growth. If there are unusual stains, spots, or odors coming from the carpeting or rugs, you should check both sides for mold. Getting soft surfaces professionally cleaned can prevent mold from developing.
4. Water Heater Leaks
Another hotspot for mold growth is a dark, warm environment with lots of moisture — the water heater. Water heaters are typically tucked away in hard-to-access areas, which can make discovering a leak tricky, and lead to mold growth. Checking the floor and walls around the water heater often can help detect leaks.
5. Damaged Tiles
Bathrooms are also hotbeds for mold growth due to moisture. If you’re noticing discolored areas on your bathroom tiles, this is a sign of mold in your house. A few ways to prevent this are to dry standing water in the shower or tub, let wet clothes and towels dry properly, and clean the shower curtain.
6. Allergy Symptoms
If you or your family have been experiencing allergy symptoms regardless of the season, this is a sign of mold in your house. Mold releases mycotoxins, which cause respiratory issues such as sneezing, congestion, coughing, and tiredness.
7. Continuously Sick
Do you have trouble shaking a cold? Are you unable to get rid of a nagging cough? Mold exposure can prolong respiratory illnesses. If your doctor has ruled out any other illnesses, the reason you’re still sick could be from mold. Getting your home treated for mold could help get you back on your feet.
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8. Spotty Furniture
Mold can grow on any porous surface like foam and upholstery. Fuzz, discolored spots, and spores on furniture are signs of mold. Frequently inspecting and cleaning furniture can catch mold growth.
9. Damaged Walls
The walls in your living space can help warn you about mold growing behind them. If you notice bubbling paint or warped wallpaper in your bedroom, this is a sign of mold in your house. You will need to find the source of the moisture and fix it before it leads to mold growth.
10. Previous Water Damage
Has there been previous water damage to the home? If the water was not properly removed and the damage professionally restored, mold could be growing in the house.
4 Common Causes of Mold
Are you wondering what causes mold to grow? Mold needs a wet, warm, and dark environment to grow in. Here are four of the most common causes that lead to mold growth.
1. Poor Ventilation
A poorly ventilated home will be more prone to developing mold. A lack of ventilation provides the perfect warm and humid air that mold grows in.
2. Damaged Pipes
Leaking and damaged pipes provide the dark and wet environment that mold thrives in, especially if the leak comes from a pipe inside a wall.
3. Roof Leaks
Similar to leaking pipes, a roof leak can be difficult to see. If your home has an attic, check regularly for any potential leaks that could lead to mold. Check the ceiling for water spots to help determine if the roof is leaking.
4. Flooding
After flooding, it can take a while for a home to completely dry out. This gives mold the perfect chance to grow. It doesn’t need a huge time window — in just 24 hours a wet area can begin developing mold.
Mold Remediation & Removal Services
No matter what caused the mold, getting it taken care of by professionals can prevent it from returning. Our team of technicians offer exceptional mold removal and water damage restoration services in Houston, TX and other areas. We are ready to remove mold at the source to prevent it from returning. In addition, our staff offers other types of water damage restoration services such as roof leak maintenance, storm damage repair, and flood damage restoration. When you call our team, you will receive fast response times and dependable solutions.
HEPA air purifiers and vacuums are used to clean any place mold may be growing while extraction tools and dehumidifiers remove any lingering water. Dry Force is a trusted full-service contractor so repairs can be made as well. Get your peace of mind back and call our team of remediation experts for a free evaluation at (877) 589-7504.