Mold may grow naturally, but it can lead to a wide variety of problems once it starts to develop in your home or commercial building. Fortunately, mold remediation companies can remove the organic matter to promote better health for the people who live in or visit your property. Watching for these four signs of a mold problem helps you know when to call for assistance from a professional mold remediation service.
1- Dealing With a Plumbing Leak or Flooding
Pesky plumbing leaks involve more than just the annoyance of a dripping faucet. You might also discover a hidden water leak that created the perfect condition for mold to grow. Even when you deal with a flooding hot water heater or a failing roof right away, you could still wind up with mold growth in your home. If you’ve recently had any type of water leak onto your property, then it’s best to arrange for a mold inspection to find out if any has started growing.
2- Detecting a Musty Odor In the Building
Mold creates a musty smell that might be hard to identify, or you may already be familiar with the scent of mold from prior experiences. Either way, your home or commercial building should have a normal, neutral smell. If not, then you may need to consider mold and mildew growth as the underlying cause. When you arrange for mold inspections and removals, make sure to mention any odd odors. Knowing that you’ve detected a mold smell in a specific room could help the crew identify the cause faster.
3- Spotting Visible Mold or Moisture Damage
Mold can have different colors that range from black to green and brown. You might see mold spots that are flush with the surface of damaged materials. Or, you could see velvety patches of mold growing across a moist area. Either way, seeing mold is a sure sign to call for professional help to verify your findings. Waterlogged materials may also harbor mold that is less easy to identify. For instance, mold could be lurking on the underside of damaged siding or bathroom tile. Requesting a professional inspection can help you find out if a water leak led to additional concerns.
4- Experiencing New Mold-Related Health Symptoms
Many people are sensitive to mold, and you might develop respiratory allergies if you spend time in a building with spores circulating through the air. If you notice new or worsening asthma and allergy symptoms, then it is worth conducting mold testing or inspections. Mold remediation and removal involve taking out mold-damaged building materials and thoroughly cleaning the area. In many cases, allergy symptoms resolve once the mold is gone. Even if you have other allergies, eliminating the mold can help you experience less sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
Time is of the essence for keeping mold from spreading. In fact, it doesn’t take long for mold spores to enter the air ducts in a building and make their way to different rooms. Mold removal and remediation restore damaged building materials to allow you to enjoy better air quality and preserve your property’s value.
