Identifying Signs of Mold In Your Home

There are some circumstances where identifying signs of mold within your home are very straightforward and to the point. However, not every situation is that simple. Mold development in your home can spread rapidly without you even knowing. This is why it is so important for homeowners to educate themselves about signs of mold, what causes it, and how to prevent it. 

What Causes Mold Growth? 

Mold is an organic compound that exists virtually everywhere. A fully “mold-free” environment is unattainable, but our priority is to ensure that indoor levels stay below that of outdoor mold levels. It is normal for indoor mold spore count in the air to be equal to or lesser than the outdoor environment. It becomes an issue when mold has the opportunity to thrive in excess in an indoor environment on the porous building materials of your home. 

Several factors can contribute to abnormal indoor mold development. Mold can not thrive without a moisture source. Areas of the home that experience excess moisture or humidity may be at a higher risk, but signs of mold can pop up anywhere. Once mold is introduced into an area, mold can develop as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. Humidity, condensation, leaks, floods, or poor ventilation can all be sources of moisture for mold to feed on. In order to identify signs of mold in your home, it is important to first understand what causes it.

Signs of Mold To Look Out For

When it comes to identifying mold growth in your home or business property, time is of the essence. Mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours once moisture is introduced into the environment. Early detection & intervention can prevent a widespread mold issue, severe property damage & costly mold remediation expenses. Paying attention to signs of mold and addressing them promptly can protect your property, helping you avoid a great deal of stress in the future. Let’s take a closer look at some signs of mold you can keep an eye out for. 

• Visible Mold Growth: This is the most obvious sign that your home is experiencing a mold issue. Mold can be just about any color you could imagine. It can be seen as grey, white, brown, green, black, blue and even pink. Mold can appear powdery or fuzzy in texture, often appearing in small clusters on porous building materials. 
• Discoloration/Staining: Mold is often accompanied by severe staining or discoloration on porous building materials where the moisture damage has taken place. Keep an eye out for any yellowing or dark stains on your walls, floors & ceilings. 
• Odor: Mold releases a pungent musty odor that can be off-putting and may seem out of place. A musty odor in your home can be an indicator of underlying moisture damage or mold development. Odors can permeate through walls & floors, so the area you are detecting the odor may not be the area that the mold actually is located. 
• Unexplained Symptoms: Mold has the potential to release mycotoxins that may cause individuals with sensitivities to have allergic reactions. Depending on the individual, symptoms may vary. Symptoms related to potential mold allergies may include: 
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Coughing, sore throat
  • Wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Irritated eyes
  • Irritated or itchy skin 
    • Keep in mind that symptoms will vary from person to person, and not every species of mold is going to cause the same reactions in each person. Like any other allergy, it varies per individual. Allergies and illnesses should be properly diagnosed by a medical professional. 
• History of Moisture Issues: If your home has had previous water damage or moisture issues, this may lead to mold in the future. Signs of past water damage could be the first indicator of mold development. Mold thrives on moisture, whether it be from humidity, condensation, leaking, or something more severe like a flood incident. Moisture damage should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent mold issues from spreading.

Certified Mold Professionals in Fairfield County, CT

If you are detecting signs of mold in your Connecticut home or business, you should reach out to a local professional mold inspection & remediation company in your area to get to the bottom of the issues. A professional mold inspector will be able to determine the extent of the damage, the source of moisture sustaining fungal growth, and help you develop a course of action for remediation.