Having mold on your property is a major health hazard and can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. It’s important to regularly check for signs of mold growth, as it can spread quickly if left unchecked. Unfortunately, what you can see with the naked eye is only part of the story—there may be hidden sources of mold that remain unseen until tested.
If you suspect mold in your home but don’t see a sign, don’t worry! Here, we will go over the most common signs of mold presence, why you need a professional mold inspection, and preventative measures to avoid this issue in the future.
Common Signs of Mold Presence
Molds found in houses can come in different colors, such as green, gray, white, and black. Additionally, they may have a fuzzy or slimy texture and often emit a distinct musty or stale odor. It is important to note these characteristics when identifying and addressing mold issues in homes. But how do you check for mold in your property?
These are some warning signs of mold in your house:
- AC unit smells
- Some areas of your property are getting dark (like the shower tiles)
- Rotten smell
- Wallpaper peeling
- Allergy flare
- Itchiness
Areas Prone to Mold Growth
Household mold predominantly flourishes in moist and humid environments like basements, showers, attics, and areas surrounding heating and cooling appliances. Additionally, mold can occur in homes within carpets, ducts, and crawlspace.
Professional Mold Inspection
It is better to be cautious if you are still unsure whether it is mold. Mold can thrive in hidden areas, like your ducts or within the walls, evading detection. It can even form minuscule colonies that evade the naked eye.
Hiring a professional mold inspection in Orlando can help you avoid possible health issues and damage to your property. But when is it recommended to get a professional mold inspection? It is advisable to check your property for mold growth if you have recently experienced:
- Floods or water damage
- Allergy flare-ups
- Increased humidity levels in certain areas
Preventative Measures
Inspecting the interior and exterior of your home for potential moisture buildup can help you ensure that you don’t have mold on your property. Here are more detailed measures to avoid any mold growth:
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can. With the help of an air conditioner or a dehumidifier, you can maintain the levels down.
- Be sure that air flows freely in your house. A well-ventilated place will avoid the building of humidity.
- Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after a flood.
- Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
- Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried immediately.
Dealing with Mold Infestations
If you find mold on your property, acting fast and taking all necessary precautions is important. Cleaning small areas of mold in your home can be done with water, detergent, or vinegar. However, for more extensive cases (or if you are unsure about the extent of the damage), it is better to seek a professional service for a full inspection, removal, and remediation.
Mold remediation is a meticulous procedure involving removing, cleaning, and disinfection of areas contaminated with mold. Its primary goal is to inhibit mold growth by addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to its formation, such as inadequate ventilation or water damage. This comprehensive approach ensures not only the eradication of mold but also the prevention of its recurrence.
On the other hand, mold removal involves physically eliminating all visible mold from an area. This can be achieved through gentle scrubbing, careful vacuuming, and effective antifungal cleaners. Since mold spores are very small and can travel through the air or spread to other areas, it’s important to perform a thorough removal process to ensure that the mold has been completely removed since this can cause very harmful things to your quality of life.
Stay Mold-Free with Conscious Effort and Professional Help
Mold growth in your home can be a serious health hazard, so it’s important to inspect and check for any potential signs of mold regularly. If you notice any common signs mentioned above or have recently experienced water damage, we recommend having a professional mold inspection to ensure no hidden mold on your property.
Mold Remediation of Orlando offers high-quality restoration solutions to residential and commercial property owners in Orlando, FL. Our trained and skilled contractors have years of experience dealing with mold and can help restore your home or workplace to its original condition. Contact us today and get started on the road to a safer home!