Do I Have Mold in my Home?

Mold is a very common substance to find in homes of all ages because it can flourish in even the toughest of conditions. What’s worse, because mold tends to thrive in dark, hidden corners first it can be quite hard to spot unless you know what you are looking for (or it has progressed quite far inside a home). There are some problem signs that you can be on the lookout for, however! When trying to figure out whether you have mold, you should consult all of your senses.

Mold is a fungal growth that needs certain conditions to grow. The presence of spores, organic material, and a certain level of moisture or humidity are needed to allow it to grow. So, if you notice condensation in your home, or you feel that levels of humidity have risen around your property, you should start to look for signs of mold. The first sign of mold formation is discoloration. Surfaces that are hosting mold will start to show discolored patches that can be anything from green or brown to black in color. This is often the first sign of mold, of course, but is not always the one that people notice first, especially if the mold is forming in a hidden area.

Most people notice the smell of mold first. Once mold has started to really take root in a space, it will let loose spores in huge numbers. This is bad for a number of reasons, but has one silver lining: it produces a very distinctive, musty smell. This smell is dry and slightly sweet, and can often produce low-level irritation in the same way that mild hay fever or seasonal allergies do. If you notice this smell or some patches of discoloration, you should contact a professional to assess your home properly.