Watch Out for Mold Growth in Your Home | SERVPRO of Marietta West
9/21/2022 (Permalink)
Mold growth can be a big concern for homeowners. Although you may notice it right away, it occasionally requires a little more investigating. When checking for mold, there are plenty of common places it could be hidden, but sometimes mold may not be as easy to spot.
A small leak under your sink can drip for days, causing moisture to build up and leading to mold growth that only continues to worsen each day. Or mold could be lingering in the dark corners of your basement without your knowledge.
Mold has the ability to hide deep inside the surfaces of your home, only to appear after growth has gotten much worse. While each case of mold development is unique and dependent on the environment, there are some warning signs you can watch out for when checking your home for growth.
Knowing the signs of growth makes it easier to detect mold that you might not be able to immediately identify, preventing this silent nuisance from growing any worse:
A Musty Odor
One of the first warning signals that your home may have a mold problem is a foul, earthy smell. Although sniffing out mold may not seem like a pleasant approach to finding the area where it is growing, it is one of the simplest ways to find out whether it is present.
The smell of mold will only continue to strengthen as the growth spreads, but within only 24 hours of mold development, you should notice a musty smell.
Excess Condensation
Moisture is a key component in mold growth, so if you observe excess condensation around your home, mold may be present or will grow in the future. Condensation can appear in poorly ventilated areas, like behind your cabinets or inside your cupboards.
Condensation can also build up on your walls and windows as well, and while you may think it’s only on the surface, moisture can build up in any cracks or gaps and soak into insulation.
Changes in Your Walls, Floors and Ceilings
Cosmetic changes on the surfaces of your home can be a sign that you have a mold problem. Peeling wallpaper and discoloration are common indications that mold is making itself at home. Mold discoloration spots can vary in size, shape and color.
If you notice abnormalities such as warping, bubbling and swelling, it could be a sign of dampness, which should be resolved before mold forms. If you notice signs such as this, your mold problem could be growing a lot deeper than what’s on the surface.
When you notice signs of mold growth in your home, call on our experienced professionals to take care of it. We’re ready to jump into action, 24/7!