As a homeowner, we know you do your best to keep your home in great condition. Whether you are a do-it-yourself type or are better off calling in a professional to fix issues when they arise, tackling any problem in your home as soon as it happens is the best action you can take to ensure your investment is secure and well cared for.
What, then, do you do if there is a problem lurking beneath your beautiful floors or behind your walls? More specifically, how can you tell if you have mold which could cause a wealth of problems to your home? All too often, we see how a leaky pipe can cause destruction to a home. Perhaps there is a musty smell that won’t go away. Mold can hide in your attic, walls, ceilings, vents, carpets, and floors. These are tough to reach places that may look fine from a visual perspective, but have a colony of mold growing within them. You may not know anything is wrong until you start experiencing health problems. To provide some assistance so you can be sure your home is in top condition, we’ve assembled some tips to help you determine if you have hidden mold in your home.
- Signs of water damage or the appearance of water stains – If a water mark appears on your wall or ceiling, you’ll need to search for the source of the leak. It could be a problem with your roof or a pipe that is dripping within your walls. Without prompt attention, mold will begin to grow. If you see a water stain, work with a professional to determine the source. You’ll have to cut a hole in your wall, remove any insulation, and then use a flashlight to look for mold.
- Musty odors – If you walk into your home and notice a musty or damp smell, then you need to check for mold. Mold emits chemical vapors that make it smell musty.
- Check your water bill – compare your water usage from the previous months. If you see a rise in usage that doesn’t coincide with normal use, you may have a leak. Another easy way to check is by looking at your water meter. If nothing is running (faucet, washing machine, dish washer, etc.) but the dial is moving, then you have a leak somewhere in your home. If you can locate the leak, you’ll likely locate mold as well.
It is important to act fast if you do suspect a hidden mold problem. More than likely, if there is just a bit of mold showing on a wall, there is more lurking behind it. There are home administered test kits that will test for mold, though they aren’t always reliable. Your best solution for hidden mold is to call in a professional. If you try to tackle the problem yourself, make sure you wear protective gear that will keep you from inhaling mold spores.
At Restore Pro, we have the tools and knowledge to locate and treat your mold problem. We will work with you to build a plan that will remove the mold, fix the cause of the mold, and restore your home back to how it once was.
Call us at 1-800-847-0114 if you suspect you have hidden mold. You can also visit our Facebook page to learn more about our Mold Remediation Service at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911.