7 Signs You Have Mold in Your Home

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

One of the worst things you can have in your home is mold. Mold is not only disgusting, but it's also hazardous to you and your family's health. When it comes to mold, there are different types, many causes, and the best way to remediate it is with a professional mold remediation company, like SERVPRO. If you're not familiar with mold growth and the signs that it could be in your home, keep reading!

1. Discoloration

The easiest way to spot mold is by noticing any kind of discoloration or staining on your walls, floors, ceilings, or even upholstery. If you see gray, black, green, or blue specks along grout lines, anywhere on your walls, or any surface, that's a sure sign that you have mold spores living rent-free in your home.

You can also spot dark water stains on or near walls, on floors, ceilings, etc. This is another indication that you either have mold, or mold growth will start due to some kind of water damage.

2. Gross, Musty Odor

Seeing mold is the easiest way to know if you have it in your home or not, but smelling it is the next sign. If you start to smell a musty, earthy, or sour odor, this usually indicates that mold is present or you have to get rid of the milk in your refrigerator.

Smelling mold can be tricky because it will lead you to search high and low, and if you don't find it, you may think it's something else. Chances are you do have mold, but it's in hidden colonies within the walls, crawl spaces, or somewhere that is hard to see without tearing things apart. To be sure, contact a professional.

3. Dampness

Feeling dampness on your walls, ceiling, or floors can mean 1 of two things: either you have some kind of water damage in your home or the humidity levels are too high. Either way, both of these instances will cause mold to grow. If you don't see or suspect leaky pipes or standing water, chances are it's the humidity - in which case you should invest in a dehumidifier or run your HVAC system.

4. Leaky Pipes

If you discover that you do have leaky plumbing somewhere in your home, this moisture will encourage mold and cause more of an issue to your home. In the case that you have a problem with your plumbing, contact a plumber ASAP before mold has the chance to start growing.

5. Condensation

If you start to notice condensation on your walls, windows, around the air conditioner, or even around the fridge, there's a large chance that mold will start to grow in those areas. When you're reviewing the situation, be careful and wear gloves, just in case mold is present. In this case, it's important to figure out why this is happening to prevent further damage and, of course, prevent mold.

6. Pay Attention to Taste

If your daily routine includes making a cup of coffee in the morning, followed by water, you should know what these taste like. If your coffee starts to taste off, chances are there may be mold growing in the coffee maker. Thoroughly take apart and wash every piece that you can before making another cup. This is also the case for water coolers.

Water coolers are very convenient and give you cold water just from pushing a button, however, many water coolers' nozzles are rubber, and after a while, mold can start to grow within it. Pay attention to the taste and remember to clean both the coffee and water coolers out monthly.

7. Allergies

Allergies to mold are not exactly the same as allergies to pollen. If you or someone in your family starts to sneeze, cough, or develop rashes, the first step is to visit the doctor. If nothing can be found, this is an indication that you may have mold in your home. This is very dangerous for you, your family, and your pets that live inside the home. Call a professional like SERVPRO so we can come out and remediate the problem before it gets worse.

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise "mold removal" and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is false advertising because removing mold from a home or business is impossible. Microscopic mold exists almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some facts about mold.

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems. They can even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or pet.
• Mold thrives on moisture. They can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture problems must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal humidity can support mold. Keep indoor humidity below 45%.

What is Black Mold?

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of "black mold" or "toxic mold." These reports can be alarming and confusing, so it's beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many types of mold can produce this as well. Treat any mold with caution - stay out of affected areas and don't touch or disturb the mold.

Our Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. These steps illustrate our "typical" process:

1. Emergency Contact (732) 201-6751
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”