Mold can cause extensive structural damage because it breaks down organic matter. It may also attach itself to other items in the house, and because mold spores are hard to remove, you may have to dispose of mold-infested items such as clothes and bedding.
Furthermore, mold is toxic, and constant exposure may harm your health. According to the EPA, mold exposure can cause health issues such as fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, a stuffy or runny nose, red eyes, and itchy skin and eyes.
Ignoring a mold problem or realizing an infestation when it has become severe can have devastating consequences. Explore some signs of mold infestation in your home.
A Persistent Cold or Respiratory Problems
Certain types of mold cause respiratory problems. So, if you always have a runny nose or find yourself coughing and sneezing a lot, you may have a mold problem. Try to observe if your symptoms flare up when you are in certain rooms in your house, as those could be the problem areas.
If you have asthma and it flares up after a long time, mold may be responsible for your condition. Consider having professionals inspect your house for mold if your asthma persists and you can’t identify any other triggers.
Weird Smells
Have you noticed a musty smell from your air conditioning system, basement, or some walls and floors? Chemicals released by mold during their life cycle cause that smell.
Air conditioning units are hot spots for mold infestation. They are dark and damp and often exposed to heat when unused for long periods, thus facilitating mold growth. When mold gets into your air conditioning units, mold spores may spread all over the house whenever you turn it on, causing a massive infestation.
Water Damage
Mold thrives in damp areas. So any spots around your house that have water damage may harbor mold. Identifying water-damaged spots on time will help you eliminate mold before it becomes a problem.
Think also about condensation during winter. Condensation will increase humidity in your house, encouraging mold growth.
Colored Spots on Walls
Molds appear in various colors and textures, so consider checking for mold if you notice colored spots on your walls. You likely have mold if you observe fuzzy green or grey substances or dripping slime on the wall. You should also check for water damage or pipe leaks if you notice spots on your walls.
Squishy Floors
If you have a hardwood floor, mold infestation may manifest as soft spots on the floor. If you observe that some floor parts feel squishy when you step on them, you may want to check for moisture damage. If not remediated on time, mold growth can spread throughout your floors, forcing you to change the whole flooring. So have a professional get rid of the mold on your floors as soon as possible.
Odd Spots on Clothing and Upholstery Fibers
Have you observed black or white spots on your clothes and the fibers on your couch? If the spots are mold, they will feel slimy or fluffy. Any clothes and furniture that has mold may also smell damp.
Visible Mold Growth on Surfaces
The most obvious sign of mold is if you can see visible growth. But, if you have never seen mold, you may not know what it is when you spot it. Various types of mold exist, and each type may have a different color and appearance. Black mold, which commonly grows in buildings, has greenish-black coloring. Other indoor molds may have white, brown, and grey coloring.
If you have seen any of the above signs of mold infestation, call a mold remediation expert to get rid of the problem. Contact us today for remediation and damage reconstruction services if you have a mold problem in Arkansas.
