Signs of Mold in a House

Mold infestation in your home can be harmful to your health, along with damaging your furniture and carpet. Clothing in the closets may also begin to fall apart and decay as the mold spreads. If you notice any of the following signs of mold, contact a professional mold removal company immediately. Once mold enters a home, it can be almost impossible to remove without replacing significant portions of the carpet and drywall.

Black Spots

The most common sign of mold in a home is a black spot on the wall or floor, usually located near a water source such as a bathtub, toilet, or sink. The microscopic mold cells are not visible until they have formed a large colony, so even a small black spot can be a sign of a widespread mold infestation within the wall.

Musty Odor

A strange, musty smell inside a home can be a sign of a mold infestation within the walls or under the carpet. If the mold has spread into the drywall, the entire wall may need to be demolished and rebuilt. If a musty odor is detected, open the windows and run an oscillating fan to ventilate the area and reduce the health hazard.

Humidity

Mold spreads quickly in humid conditions. If your home has had humidity levels over 60 percent for more than seven days, there may be an infestation growing within the walls. Run a dehumidifier immediately if you find elevated humidity levels in your home. Ideally, the humidity in your home should remain within the 30-50 percent range.

Wet Carpet

Wet spots in the carpet may also be a sign that there is mold in the house. Spills that are not immediately cleaned up can seep into the carpet and provide a fertile breeding ground for mold. Many times, the moisture soaks into the carpet padding as the carpet itself dries out, hiding the mold problem until it is too late. If the mold has contaminated the carpet padding, the whole floor will probably need to be replaced.

Respiratory Problems

Even if there are no visible signs of mold or noticeable smells in the home, mold may cause respiratory problems. Asthma or existing allergies can be aggravated by mold spores in the air. If the contamination is severe, people without any previous breathing problems may suddenly develop respiratory issues. Consult a doctor and have your home inspected by a mold removal company immediately.