How do I know if I have mold?
You got off work after a hard day. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, you decide to relax and watch a little TV. Flipping channels you come across a program about a house with mold. Watching closely, you start to feel for the home owners. What a devastating find! It must be terrible to be in their situation. I’m glad I don’t have that problem, you think to yourself. After a while you wonder. How do I know if I have mold? How do I know that I don’t? How does anyone know? As you watch the disaster unfold for the unlucky homeowners you feel your heart begin to speed. Your throat tightens. Don’t fret. Here are a few ways to tell if you have a mold problem.
Mold warning signs
Mold is sneaky. Many people live in a house with mold and never know it. These people have probably ignored the warning signs. There is a way to find mold before it becomes a serious problem. Finding out early can save you a lot of stress and even money, if you discover it in time. Some of the warning signs include a strange odor. Mold has a very unique, pungent smell. If you notice a strange odor in a specific area in your home, you need to look into it. Another tip is the appearance of mold. Dark, velvety spots that have a strange, musty odor are also a sign. Another give-away could be health issues. These may be most evident if you or someone in your home is allergic to mold; cough, congestion and watery eyes are a big concern. You might want to stay elsewhere while the mold problem is dealt with. While a small amount of mold will, most likely not cause any health concerns, the steps you take are entirely up to you. Do what you feel is right.
Checking your home for mold
Where to start? Moist areas of your home are the best places to check; especially the basement, attic and other areas you don’t frequently visit. Baseboards and ceilings are another place to look especially if you’ve had recent rainfall or flooding. Don’t forget to inspect under sinks or behind appliances utilizing plumbing such as dishwashers. Leaks, however small could allow moisture into your home and mold will most surely follow.
Getting help with mold remediation
Most importantly, if you detect a mold problem, no matter how small, you need to do something about it. Calling a professional is likely in your best interest. Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration has been performing mold remediation services for over 25 years, bringing peace of mind to homeowners just like you. An IICRC master –certified company, Soil-Away uses thermal-imaging cameras and moisture meters to reveal water damage, thereby finding potential hot-spots for mold. Don’t let a mold problem get out of control, get help. Call Soil-Away at 603-641-6555.
Written by E. Aceves
