Many property owners believe that visible mold is the only mold problem as far as their home or business is concerned. However the reality is that it is usually growing well concealed under carpeting, behind wall board and ceilings, in crawl spaces and inside air conditioning ducts long before a complete mold colonization becomes visible.
As IAQ Cleaning we assist homeowners to find out hidden mold problems in their property before they turn into serious health and structural issues.
1. You Smell a Musty Odor
Keep an eye out for the first indicators of mold, like that continually stuffy, musty odor. If certain rooms seem to have an indoor scent of dampness, soil or aging cheese-after rains or increased humidity-you may have covert molds growing in the walls, fabric isolators or flooring places.
2. You’ve Had Water Damage
Even small leaks can create mold growth conditions within 24-48 hours. Common causes include:
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Roof leaks
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Burst pipes
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Appliance leaks
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Flooding
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Overflowing tubs or sinks
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Basement seepage
One of the most common causes of indoor mold growth is water intrusion.
3. Your Allergies Feel Worse Indoors
Indoor mold exposure may contribute to:
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Sneezing
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Coughing
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Sinus irritation
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Headaches
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Watery eyes
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Asthma flare-ups
Many people find that their symptoms get better once they leave the house.
4. You Notice Condensation or High Humidity
High indoor humidity creates ideal mold conditions. Watch for:
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Foggy windows
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Damp basements
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Condensation on pipes
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Humid crawl spaces
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Excess moisture in bathrooms
Most experts advise keeping the humidity level in your home under 60 percent for the same reasons.
5. Paint or Drywall Is Bubbling
Warped drywall, paint bubbling, or discoloration are a sure sign that moisture is trapped inside the wall. Mold can grow unseen behind a wall for months before it ever shows itself.
6. You See Dark Spots Around Vents or Ceilings
There are visible spots next to the vents in the walls and ceiling, on the ceilings and windows, and on the base boards.. These spots could very well be active mold growth. Tests from a pro could find out if the mold is isolated or if it is growing throughout the house.
7. Your HVAC System Smells Strange
Your air conditioning and ventilation systems can disperse mold spores around your home if contamination exists within duct work or surrounding air handlers. A professional mold inspection typically involves assessment of your HVAC system to uncover otherwise hidden indoor air quality problems.
Why Early Detection Matters
The earlier mold problems are identified, the easier and less expensive they are to fix. Professional mold inspections can:
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Identify hidden growth
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Test indoor air quality
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Detect moisture problems
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Prevent structural damage
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Improve indoor air health
With a wide range of knowledge, experience and state of the art equipment, IAQ Cleaning provides homeowners with a positive proactive approach to protecting their family and home from mold.
