Homeowners typically know that they need to stay on top of maintenance and repairs, otherwise the projects can grow more serious. However, there is no situation where this is more important to remember than with water damage. Water damage from plumbing or roofing leaks can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience to a major health and structural concern if not addressed promptly.
In this post, we’re going to try and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively check for and address mold issues following a leak, ensuring your home remains a safe and healthy sanctuary. We’ll cover what mold is, how to positively identify mold, and when to call a professional for a mold removal job that might just be a little too big for the DIY route.
What is Mold & How Does it Happen?
To start, let’s make sure that we’re on the same page regarding what mold actually is. Mold isn’t just a visual or aesthetic issue, it’s a living colonization of fungi. It generally thrives in moist, warm environments, but warmth is not essential to mold taking hold. Mold reproduces through tiny spores that float through the air and are typically invisible to the eye. If the spores land on a moist surface where the other conditions are right they will begin to multiply.
This means that leaks in your plumbing or roofing can unwittingly lay out the welcome mat for mold. Water intrusion from these leaks provides the necessary moisture for mold to thrive. Combined with organic materials found in your home, like wood, drywall, or carpet, and the right temperature, these damp areas create the perfect environment for mold growth. The longer the conditions exist, the more difficult it will be to get rid of the mold, which is why early detection and remediation are so important.
Common Signs that You Have Mold
We’ve mentioned that being able to recognize that you have mold early is critical to addressing the problem effectively. Here are some common indications that mold is present in your home or business.
- Discoloration or Staining: Discoloration is one of the most common signs. These patches can range in color from black and green, to white, and are often the first visible sign of a mold issue.
- Musty Odors: A musty or earthy smell is a strong indicator of hidden mold, and is produced as a byproduct of mold growth. If you notice an unusual odor, it’s worth investigating further.
- Water Damage: Areas that have recently experienced water damage from leaks are prime candidates for mold growth. Look for warping, bubbling, or peeling of paint and wallpaper, which can signify moisture problems and potential mold beneath.
- Allergic Reactions or Respiratory Issues: An increase in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes when at home could suggest the presence of mold spores. Similarly, if family members experience unexplained respiratory issues, it could be due to mold exposure.
- Visible Growth: In some cases, mold growth is clearly visible. It may look like a fuzzy or slimy patch that has grown on surfaces. These can appear in various colors and are a sure sign of mold presence.
DIY Mold Inspection
If you think you may have mold and want to do an inspection yourself, it’s a great idea, and it can help you identify mold issues before they get out of hand.
Start by checking areas that are typically prone to mold growth, like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and around plumbing supplies and drains. Make sure to check window sills, door frames, under sinks, and around water heaters.
Look for any signs of water intrusion or damage while doing your inspection. This can include water stains, warping, or discoloration. Use a flashlight held at a low angle to determine if there are any issues that may be hidden by normal lighting.
While available, DIY mold testing kits can help provide more insights, though they are often unreliable, and preventing cross-contamination can be incredibly challenging. These kits typically involve collecting samples and sending them to a lab to have them identified positively.
It’s important to remember that even though DIY inspections are important, they do have their limitations, and not all molds will be detectable by the average homeowner.
When It’s Time to Call Professionals
There are some situations where partnering with professional mold treatment experts is crucial. For example, if you come across a large area of mold, bigger than about 10 square feet, you should start looking for a professional to speak to about the problem.
If you smell mold and have looked everywhere but still can’t find the source, call a pro. They will have the tools and techniques needed to locate and abate hidden mold issues.
Finally, if you have had any water damage, particularly from flooding or major leaks, you should always have a professional assess the situation and help dry the structure.
Steps to Take to Avoid Mold in the Future
One of the biggest steps in keeping your home mold-free is actually to work at preventing mold from taking root in the first place. This means keeping indoor humidity levels to 60% or less by using dehumidifiers or air conditioning. Ventilation is also very important for venting warm, moist air, and reducing the overall.
Make sure that if there are leaks in plumbing or roofing materials, they are repaired immediately. The faster you stop moisture from getting in, the lower the risk for mold development.
Finally, keep gutters and downspouts properly cleaned and in good condition. This is critical to your house being able to prevent the pooling of water around the foundation.
Recent Comments