Is there something strange going on in your house that you can’t quite put your finger on?
Maybe a musty smell that won’t go away, or slight but long-term allergy issues you can’t quite explain.
Unfortunately, mold might be to blame. Mold can sneak into your home and grow without you noticing in damp, dark places—often where sunlight is sparse and moisture of some kind has settled.
If you notice the signs early, you can take care of the problem before it gets worse.
Here are 8 of the most common signs we see here at Mold Solutions, that suggest your home could have a mold problem. And since our Consultations are free, you might be better off erring on the side of caution, and ruling out mold as a factor if you or your home are experiencing any of these.
1. Musty Smells
A musty smell that won’t go away or that you get a whiff of every once in a while is often the very first sign of mold—since mold is usually hidden, but its smell escapes. This smell is usually strongest in basements, bathrooms, and attics, which don’t have a lot of air flow and are very moist.
2. Visible Mold Growth
Mold appears in 10 or more common forms, such as orange, black, green, and white. Most of the time, it looks fuzzy or slimy. Walls, ceilings, and the area around windows are common places to see mold. Visible mold is obviously visible mold, but be cautious about dealing with it yourself without PPE, as what you see might be the sign of a more pervasive problem.
3. Water Damage, Recent Leaks or Floods
Mold can grow easily in places where there is water damage from leaks, flooding, or high humidity. Discoloration, peeling paint, and bent wood are all signs of water damage. If you see these signs, it’s likely that mold is present, or that it will be very soon if the water isn’t cleaned up in full.
4. Random Health Issues
Mold can be bad for your health in many ways, especially if you have allergies or breathing problems. Sneezing, breathing, itchy eyes, and irritated skin are all signs. If you feel better when you leave your home, mold could be to blame.
5. High Humidity
Florida’s high humidity can cause mold to grow on its own if it’s not properly managed. High humidity homes often feel damp or slightly sticky to occupants. High humidity or airborne moisture content also shows up as fog or water droplets on windows, walls, or pipes, and it can lead to very real mold growth problems.
6. Peeling or Bubbling Paint
Mold often grows behind walls, which makes the paint bubble or peel. If you see these signs, especially in wet or humid places, it could mean that mold is hiding.
7. Warped Wood
When wood is wet, it can bend, which can happen to floors, walls, and furniture. Wood that is warped clearly shows signs that there is water damage and could have potential mold present.
8. Allergy Flare Ups
Mold could be the cause of your or your family members’ increased asthma or allergy problems. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems, especially in people who are already sensitive. If you notice these symptoms when you’re in your home, this could be a sign that there is mold present.
Addressing Mold in Your Home with Mold Solutions in Tampa Bay, FL
Mold can be hard to get rid of and even dangerous.
Mold Solutions offers complete mold assessment, removal, and protection services in Clearwater, Bellaire, Dunedin, St. Pete, and the rest of Tampa Bay.
Don’t let mold take over your home; call us right away for a skilled evaluation and effective answers.
