You have heard the saying “out of sight, out of mind,” and just as it relates to most things in life, this old adage applies to mold damage. If you have not spotted it in your home, you are probably unconcerned by the issue, but ignoring even the most subtle toxic mold symptoms can lead to a long list of health complications and financial problems.
Four Signs of Mold Damage in Your House
Strong odor
When you have mold growing in your home, sometimes a moldy smell will be the only noticeable clue. Never ignore any strange odor even if you are unable to find the source. Thoroughly inspecting for mold is essential before the problem gets worse.
Allergy symptoms
Have you noticed that your allergy symptoms are worse when you are at home than when you are out of the house? If so, it is especially likely that you have mold. Common allergic reactions to mold include sneezing, runny nose, sore eyes, and nasal congestion. In many asthma sufferers, symptoms can be attributed to mold.
Visible mold growth
This may sound obvious, but many people fail to notice small amounts of mold growth or mistake it for dirt. Small mold patches can spread rapidly and if you don’t take immediate action, you will find yourself with a much bigger mold problem. Immediate mold cleanup is essential. Furthermore, if small amounts of mold can be seen, it is possible that a much larger colony is growing somewhere out of view. Some mold appears white and stringy while other kinds look like clusters of black spots. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray-brown, white, gray-green, or even orange, pink, or purple.
Water damage
If your home has experienced any sort of moisture problem, it is usually inevitable that mold will appear sooner or later. Mold typically begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours of the initial introduction of water in an untreated moist environment. Signs of water damage or moisture problems include discoloration on walls, water stains, or peeling wallpaper. If your walls are bulging or warped it is also an indication that moisture has been introduced.
As many as 98% of basements in the U.S. will suffer from some type of water damage during their lifetime. Water damage alone can hike up an insurance claim to $6,965 and when mold remediation is involved, insurance costs can end up being even higher.
To save money and protect your health, make sure you keep an eye out for signs of mold damage and have your home inspected when necessary.
Recent Comments