How To Spot Mold In Your Home

You don’t have to be a mold expert to know your Missoula home has a mold problem when you can see it growing. But, not all mold looks the same. In fact, mold in homes is often found in places you cannot even see. All occupants of the home are at risk of contamination when mold hides growth persists unseen. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that mold exposure can result in a wide range of health issues including allergic reactions, infections, chronic lung diseases, and other respiratory issues. So, how can you tell if you have a mold problem if not all mold can be seen? 

Missoula Mold Experts

Here are a few of the more typical warning signals to look out for in your home that can point to a hidden mold issue.

• Musty Smells Or Strong Odors: The smell of mold is one of the most obvious warning indicators in your house. Mold emits a strong musty, moist, earthy odor as it develops that only gets stronger with time. If you notice an odd lingering smell in your home and cannot identify the source (i.e. it isn’t the load of laundry that gets left in the washer too long before being moved to the dryer), then it is time to call in the mold experts for an inspection.
• Previous, Or Current, Water Damage: Mold can grow as a result of even the smallest water damage, such as a tiny leak in a pipe, excess moisture in the air, or even a poor seal around a window or door. Our home’s structural elements like wood and drywall interact with water to create an ideal environment for mold growth. It is very possible that mold has already started to grow if you have experienced water damage of any size or scale. If you have just moved into a home and are not sure whether or not there has been water damage, you can look for the following indicators: 
  • water stains or discoloration on walls, floors, or ceilings
  • paint that is peeling, bubbling or cracked
  • surfaces and floors that are buckling, bulging, or warped

To ensure that mold is not growing in your home, you should call mold experts to perform an inspection if you have a known history of water damage or see any of the signs that could indicate that there was water damage. 

• Symptoms Of Mold Exposure: As mentioned above, numerous respiratory symptoms, such as:
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Red itchy eyes
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Shortness of breath
  • Exhaustion
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Congestion

All of these symptoms can be brought on by mold exposure. You may have a mold issue in your home if these symptoms are unusual for you or any other family member and appear to be present while you are at home. If you are noticing symptoms, do not wait to call in mold experts for an inspection because prolonged exposure can have major health consequences. 

Call the Missoula mold experts at Five Valley’s Restoration if you need more information or to schedule a mold inspection today.