Many different species of mold exist and their spores can be found in the air all around us. However, some are much more harmful than others due to specific mycotoxins that can make us sick. Over 100,000 mold species have been identified, but only 50 are considered toxic to humans. Mold needs a moist, dark environment to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, energy-efficient modern homes can often inadvertently provide this environment. The combination of abundant food resources in the form of fabric and drywall, as well as the moisture generated by clothes dryers, showers, dishwashers, and cooking that is then contained inside the house, creates the perfect environment for mold.
Possible Symptoms of a Mold Infestation
The most prevalent (and worrisome) symptom of a hidden mold infestation involves you or other members of your household having allergy symptoms while in the home that dissipate or ease up greatly when the person is at work, school, or otherwise away. Approximately 1 in 4 people have an allergy to some type of mold. These symptoms include itchy or runny eyes, nasal congestion, stuffy nose, asthma-like symptoms, and skin itching. Some more serious types of mold can even cause neurological symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and trouble concentrating. That’s why it’s crucial to identify a mold infestation early on and treat it aggressively.
Other Symptoms of Mold:
- Bulging spots on walls or ceilings
- Peeling paint
- Smell of mold
- Water stains
- Cracked areas
Locating a Mold Infestation
The best way to determine whether you have a mold infestation in its early stages is to do a thorough inspection of your home, looking carefully in each room. Keep in mind that any area that have seen excessive moisture could be harboring mold, such as if you’ve previously had a pipe burst or a roof leak. Carefully visually inspect your walls, especially if they are unpainted drywall which is especially porous. Any drywall with mold will need to be replaced and will need the area behind it checked for additional mold growth. Mold between walls requires deeper inspection by a professional like RestorePro. Check your ceiling as well for signs of water damage or visible mold.
Carpets retain moisture in their absorbent fibers, especially after spills that are only removed on the top layer. If you’ve had any areas on your carpet where liquids have spilled its possible there is mold underneath. Insulation also provides a common host for mold. Pull up the insulation in your attic and check any exposed insulation around doorways, in basements, or any other locations. Any insulation that you find with mold should be removed and replaced as it is impossible to completely remove from the insulation itself.
If you find small spots of mold, wipe them away but keep track of the location. It’s important to call in a professional for additional inspection and treatment so that the problem is eliminated at the source.
If you need a professional company to treat mold in your home, look no further than RestorePro. Our team is trained, certified, and experienced to identify, evaluate, and treat mold infestations. Our focus is on fully restoring your property to a mold-free state. Give us a call at:
- Massachusetts: 781-664-9800
- New Hampshire: 603-253-2068
