18 Signs Your House Is Filled with Hidden Mold
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Mold growth within a home, can turn a perfectly fine house into a health risk. Failure to notice the hidden mold and consistently stay away from it, may result in different symptoms like mild irritation and respiratory diseases.
Furthermore, the structure of your home can also be affected because mold grows in hidden, dark areas, apart from being almost impossible to detect by the residents. It is important that you know what signs are related to hidden mold to avoid long term damage and ensure that your home is healthier. However, we will also discuss the signs so you will always be prepared for mold presence.
Musty Odor
If you perceive a constant musty smell in some parts of the house, then you should be concerned. If there is no indication of visible growth, you can be sure that this odor is due to the presence of mold spores. Occasionally, the smell becomes more apparent when family members are in a room they have just washed up or when the room is humid or poorly ventilated.
Water Stains
Signs such as staining on wall or ceiling, or discoloration on the floors, are indicators of moisture buildup. Uncontaminated stains are likely yellow, brown or copper in color and mean that water has seeped through the ceiling in the past. If there is moisture somewhere, then within a few days mold can appear, even if the surface feels dry now.
Peeling or Bubbling Paint
If paint on your walls or ceiling is blistered or peeling, there could be moisture beneath it. Water damage leaves a surface moist and damp and this can indicate a presence of mold. This would mean that mold are stripping off paint through ruining the material that it feeds on.
Allergic Disorders or Breathing problems
Mold is more likely the cause if you’re getting allergy like symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itching eyes every time you are in a single room. Inhalation of mold particles may produce irritation to the respiratory system among people with asthma or allergies. These signs tend to become aggravated if mold grows in the areas that cannot easily be seen within the dwelling.
Damp or Musty Carpets
If your carpets are continually wet or smell moldy, there might well be some mold present that is not visible on the surface. It is easy for mold to develop under some of the carpet areas especially where there is excessive humidity or areas that that were previously flooded. Any kind of dampness and humidity all the time means that moisture is trapped and molds are highly likely to form.
Warped Walls or Flooring
High humidity is a particularly favorable environment for mold, which in turn may cause the warping of walls or floor. If there are some sections of the house whose walls or floor seems to have been swollen or wobbled, one can be certain that they have mold growing at the back. Distorted materials are a clear sign that water is penetrating through the walls or floor, and might lead to mold development.
Visible Mold Spots
Mold generally stays out of sight but may be visible in forms of black or green discoloration on walls, ceilings or white powder on the floor. Little visible mold stains could also point towards a huge mold infestation behind the wall or under other layers. In turn, it is critical to act quickly to stop it from developing any further.
Unexplained Health Issues
If any member of your home has a health complaint that they cannot explain, such as headaches, dizziness, or exhaustion, mold might be the issue. Mold produces mycotoxins that cause different diseases and health conditions among people. Flu like symptoms may be alleviated when you are outside the house but recur when within the house.
Condensation on Windows
If there is very thick dew formation on windows as this makes the room to be humid, then it creates room for molding. In the course of construction and sealing of the windows, the moisture around these places is constantly high and hence it escalates the chance of mold growth on window sills, walls or even within the walls. Indoor relative humidity should be maintained in order to curb mold growth.
Cracked or Discolored Grout
In areas such as the bathroom and kitchen, the grout which is usually used to fill the spaces in-between tiles is another hard surface best suited for mold production. If the grout appears, unattractive or has a crack, then there are chances of presence of mold under the tiles. Cleaning areas where there is always moisture should be done more often since they provide the environment required for growth of the mold.
Persistent Cold-Like Symptoms
When you or your dear ones experience coughing and cold like symptoms, which seem to persist, it is probably due to molds. Frequent sneezing, a sore throat, running nose, or even a continuous cough might be due to mold spores in the air. It is crucial to note that the constant cold that does not get any better might mean there is mold.
Leaky Pipes
Any water seepage, especially the ones that fall out of sight behind the walls or underneath the sink, can encourage mold formation. Mold loves to grow where there is high humidity and water leakage is constant. The first problem is even if a leak has been fixed, it is possible for mold to have started growing in areas that are not fully visible.
Poor Ventilation
Places that are not properly ventilated such as the attic, the basement or bathroom are most likely to develop mold. Inadequate ventilation means that the air becomes saturated with moisture and when this happens the environment is right for mold growth. These space should be well ventilated to avoid instances where there is formation of mold.
Recurring Water Leaks
When you see water leaks that always returns, then you might be in big trouble with hidden mold growing inside. Stachybotris may develop after water damage . To prevent continued mold formation it is important to solve the source of water leakage.
Rusting Metal
When you see signs of rust developing on metal pipes or fixtures and other items around your home, you know there is moisture. Rust is the sign of increased humidity and this itself can lead to mold formation in the adjacent area. Undetected mold might be growing anywhere this metal is found, where there is constant moisture.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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