9 Signs That You Need a Mold Inspection

It’s something that no one wants to hear, but something that every homeowner should be cautious of. Most Americans are aware of the toxic effects of mold, but many aren’t sure how to detect it.
Oftentimes, many ask:

• “Doesn’t every house have a little bit of mold in it?”
• “Are older homes more susceptible to mold infestation?”
• “If my son is coughing at night, does that mean our house is full of mold?”
• “How do I know I have mold in my house?”

Luckily, in this article, we’ll help you establish whether or not you need a mold inspection.
Signs Why You May Need Moisture and Mold Testing1.    Mold growing on your furniture or on items in your closet.Mold thrives in areas that are cold and have little to no ventilation. A good area that perfectly fits this description is the space in your closet. Often, closets are near plumbing, against an exterior wall, or stuffed to the brim with items you barely move around or use.
Also, you may frequently find mold growing on the back of the furniture. Warmth and moisture oftentimes are the cause of this. It can be devastating to find your favorite furniture speckled with mold spots.
2.    Water from rain or sprinklers puddling up against your wall. 

Sure, exterior walls act as a barrier to the surrounding environment. But, with continuous dampening, walls will soak up the water. Over time, the moisture together with warm interior conditions will lead to mold growth.

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To avoid this, ensure water from rain and/or sprinklers drains away.
3.    Your pets getting sick.Pets can also be a good indicator of the indoor air quality. Toxic mold doesn’t just hurt humans; it harms household animals as well.
Animals often suffer from the same symptoms we do when exposed to toxic mold. Symptoms include asthma, sinus infections, congestion, watery eyes, constant runny nose, and itching and scratching where no fleas are present.


4.    The building feels damp to you.House mold cannot exist without a source of moisture. If your home feels damp, chances are mold is present. If you notice your home is unusually damp, have it inspected.


5.    Your allergies or asthma is worse when you are inside. 

Allergy symptoms happen when your immune system reacts to something harmless, like pollen, pet danger, or mold. In the presence of an allergen, your body sees it as an invader and attacks it, giving you itchy eyes or runny nose.
You may not always see mold. It may grow indoors without you smelling or seeing it.


6.   You have had a water leak, or the neighboring unit has had a water leak.To grow, mold needs moisture or water, which is why water leaks usually contribute to its growth.
Most times, mold is already a problem before it is discovered. It can easily grow within 12-48 hours and will begin to colonize in 1 to 12 days. That’s why it’s important to get the water leak repaired as soon as possible.

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7.    You smell a musty or moldy odor that is stronger when the doors and windows have been closed. 

Mold smells even before it becomes visible to the naked eye. And by the time it becomes visible, it’s usually made up of thousands of tiny mold spores. That’s why it’s important to have a mold inspection immediately when you smell it.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of smelling mold, it smells stale. But on a home’s interior, it smells damp and musty. The smell, however, can differ depending on the source of moisture, the surface on which is growing on, and the type of mold.

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8.    You are buying or moving to a different house or building.For most Americans, a home is their largest financial asset. That’s why you want to properly inspect it prior to signing on the dotted lines.
If moving to a rental property, you have to sign a lease or rental agreement. Before doing so, it pays to inspect it beforehand. You wouldn’t want to sign the rental agreement only to discover mold problems days after you’ve moved in. Inspecting the property prior to moving in is much easier than breaking the lease before the fixed terms.

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9. You begin experiencing mold symptoms.

​Exposure to harmful agents inside your home can have profound effects on your health. There are various types of mold. They include Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold).
Black mold is known for causing the most damage to our bodies due to skin-affecting mycotoxins. Common health symptoms associated with mold include:

• Immune system suppression
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constant tiredness and headaches
• Mental impairment
• Damage to internal organs
• Irritation of the mucous membranes
• Hemorrhage
• Skin inflammation
• Respiratory problems

 
If you have noticed any of these problems, it’s a telltale sign that you need a mold inspection. It’ll determine the amount of risks, the type of risks and where the risks are located on your property.