Mold plays a significant role in the ecosystem outside. It aids in the decay of plants and animal materials. Mold growth inside your home, however, is another story. Did you know according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, mold forms 24 to 48 hours after a water damage event? Mold in the home can pose a significant health hazard. Let's take a look at some of the signs that you are dealing with a mold issue.

Water Leak

If a water leak is discovered, it's crucial to have it fixed immediately. Mold lives and thrives in places where condensation frequently forms. It's important to give special attention to the areas of your home that may get wet. This means the kitchen and bathroom should be especially focused on. Mold specialists will be able to give you advice on how to properly fix this issue. In the future, remember to have your leaks fixed as fast as you can.

Bad Smell

Some molds have a musty smell. If you notice a chronic musty odor, mold may be present. It's a good idea to take a walk around your house when you first smell the mold. This way, you can pinpoint all the areas where you believe mold is present. The specialists will be able to figure this out, but it's important for you to know which areas to avoid. Mold can cause health issues, so you will want to know every part of your home where it's present.

Black Stains

Mold frequently manifests itself on walls and insulation as dark blotches or streaks. However, each type of mold can have its own distinctive appearance. This ranges from white streaks to bright splotches of orange, pink, or purple. You may even see hairy tufts of gray or green. Once you know what to be on the lookout for, it will make identification much easier. If you are unsure whether you have mold present or not, it's a good idea to look for pictures online and compare them to what you see in your home.

Peeling Walls

If you notice wallpaper bubbling, splitting, or peeling, this is a sign that moisture has penetrated the wallpaper and glue. Mold loves moisture and can start to grow and flourish unseen in between these moist crevices. This can even happen if you only have paint on the walls. It's a good idea to locate the cause of the moisture in your walls so it can be removed, therefore hopefully stopping the formation of mold. Mold specialists will know the proper steps to fix your walls.

Health Issues

Mold toxins can result in major health issues. Red and watery eyes, sneezing, itching, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath are all signs of mold exposure. People with asthma or a compromised immune system may be the most vulnerable. If you notice a sudden increase in health issues, you will need to handle the problem immediately. The longer you wait to have the mold removed, the worse your problems will get.

Basements

Basements are one of the most common places for mold to grow. Since it's cooler in temperature than other areas of your home, it's more susceptible to condensation. Additionally, foundation cracks can let water in, which creates an environment for mold to develop. Even homes with the best foundation may notice leaks from time to time. It's important to stay up-to-date on your repairs so you can avoid these issues altogether.

Past Flooding

You are likely to have mold development in your home if you've had a flooding problem. If you live in an area that has flooded recently, check around your home for the signs that we discussed. Mold is not guaranteed to form after a flood but looking for it early is important. This way, you can get rid of it before it affects your health or grows into a major issue.

Have you observed any of the warning signals mentioned above? Think you might have a mold problem? Taking care of it immediately is essential. Even a tiny mold infestation can grow and pose significant risks to your property and health. That is why it's always best to seek mold specialists to discover the cause and how to handle it safely. If you're looking for help, get in contact with Magna Dry Cleaning & Restoration today to learn more.