Does Your Home Have Water Damage: Signs of Mold

Ever heard of the phrase, “home is where the heart is.” This phrase signifies that a person is happiest where they reside. One’s home should be a place where one feels comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, not all homes feel this way. This is the case for homes that have mold. Homes that have water damage often have mold. Mold is a fungus that is made up of microscopic organisms. It can be found almost anywhere, especially in places where there is a significant amount of moisture. The signs of mold may be throughout the house.

Do you believe your home has mold from previous water damage? Don’t second guess yourself and learn about the signs of mold.

The Signs of Mold in the House

What is mold you might ask? Mold is something that no homeowner wants to find in the home. Unfortunately, mold can be found virtually everywhere within the house. It can be found in multiple places within the house.

The most common places where mold can be found are in bathrooms under the sink, wallpaper, carpet, and in basements. When you think of mold, you might picture a greenish-black growth on the wall or on another surface that has been damaged by water. Mold appears in other forms.

If you are a homeowner you should take the time to assess your home for mold. Do not think that just because you do not see mold that you are safe. If you have mold in the house, you have a serious problem as it can significantly affect your health.

With this guide, you will learn about the signs of mold in the house and be able to identify mold. Below are the most common signs of mold in the house.

A Humid Home

If you live in an area that is humid, you may struggle to try to keep your house to be humidity-free. If you happen to live in a southern state like Florida, Louisiana, or Mississippi, you know that humidity is a big problem. Your house is at risk for humidity.

During the summer months, humidity tends to be high, so it is important to check the house for mold. Humidity can promote the growth of mold because it leads to condensation and water accumulation within the house. To prevent the growth of mold, make sure to keep your air conditioner running at an optimal temperature.

Your Home Smells Musty

Mold comes with a distinct smell. Most types of mold can produce an order that calls your attention. If your home smells musty, there might be a high likelihood that you have mold in your house.

Water Stains/Water Damage

Are there visible yellowish stains around your house, specifically on the wall, doorways, ceiling, or floor? This should be a cause for concern. If there is some sort of discoloration on these surfaces you might have mold.

This type of damage means you have water damage on the interior structure of the house so if you observe such damage, consider hiring a professional inspector to inspect the house for mold.

Peeling Paint and Wallpaper

Water damage can also lead to the peeling of paint or wallpaper. Extreme water damage can cause this type of damage which is a major warning sign for mold.

Keep in mind that you may not see this type of damage as it may be behind in between the wall. If the mold is in between the wall it is still a cause for concern. The mold can travel throughout the house via spores that spread through the air.

Water Leaks

One of the most common signs of mold that indicates it is in the house is water leaks. The mold that grows as a result of a water leak may not always be visible. This can be the case if the water leak is behind a hidden surface such as a wall.

Water leaks may occur in the basement. In the basement, a water leak can be caused by a crack in the foundation or a leak in a pipe. If you find a leak in the basement or any other place in the house you must get it repaired quickly.

You must search for water leaks throughout the house. Check for leaks in the plumping. This can be done by letting the water run. While letting the water run, check for damp spots on the pipe and in the surrounding areas.

Water leaks can be found outside of the house as well. Take the time to check for these as the water can make its way into the house. The water can sip into the foundation or slab and cause mold.

Flooding in the Home

Has your home ever flooded? If your home has suffered water damage as a result of a flood consider checking for flood as it is very likely that mold will be there. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, try to eliminate the accumulation of moisture after the water has receded. This will help to minimize the risk of mold growth.

You Have Found Mold—What to Do Next?

If you have had water damage in your home and have assessed for each of the signs of mold in the house outlined in this guide there is a high likelihood that you have mold. If you have found mold in the home, you need to take action.

If you find yourself in this situation, consider hiring a restoration and cleaning company. By hiring this type of company you will have a team of professionals who will come to your house to make sure that the water is cleaned up and any damage made to the house is addressed.