Learn what to look for to determine if you have a mold prolem.
Living in North Central Florida, it’s common for homeowners and business owners to suspect that they have mold. The truth is every property has some level of mold present. Therefore, how can we know when we have an actual mold problem? Read on to learn some of the signs to look for that may suggest you have a mold issue.
Signs of mold aren’t always so obvious. The following are a few signs to keep an eye out for that may suggest you have a mold problem in your home or business.
Sometimes, coughing and sneezing are only symptoms of seasonal allergies or sickness from a virus. Seasonal allergies are temporary and therefore come and go throughout the year.
However, if you wrestle with chronic coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, or watery eyes, it could be a sign of a greater issue. These symptoms could be your body’s response to the presence of mold in your home or business. If you notice these symptoms are exacerbated when you return to your property, there’s a chance that you have a mold problem.
If you notice this, it’s best to call a professional so that they can bring in testing and get your air quality checked just to be safe.
Have you had a previous water damage in your home or office? It could have been from a leaky pipe, water intrusion from a heavy rain, or a sink overflow. If the water damage wasn’t properly dried, your property is susceptible to microbial growth.
Many “wet” locations in your home like the kitchen and bathroom are the areas where mold is likely to hang out. Mold in these locations isn’t always visible and is often contained inside your walls. If you’ve been experiencing chronic allergy symptoms and you’ve had a previous water damage, these are 2 indicators that suggest you may have a mold problem.
Sometimes, you may not have obvious mold symptoms. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like immunodeficiency, frequent seizures, neurological conditions, etc. may experience exacerbated symptoms.
Mold has been shown to weaken the immune system during prolonged exposure and can even trigger or worsen pre-existing health conditions. Sometimes, mold is the direct cause of these conditions. Every person reacts differently to mold.
Therefore, if you suspect your health is being indirectly impacted by the presence of mold, contact a professional immediately.
A musty odor is one of the more obvious signs of a mold problem. The smell is reminiscent of a “damp” smell like you would sense in a cave or other frequently wet location in nature like a waterfall.
Again, a musty odor isn’t a guaranteed sign of a mold problem, but it’s a potential indicator. If you notice a lingering musty odor that won’t go away, call a professional mold remediation company to investigate.
Lastly, the most obvious sign that you have a mold problem is visible mold growth on a wall or other surface in your home or business. However, visible growth isn’t a sure guarantee that you have a mold problem.
Mold requires organic matter, moisture, and pleasant temperatures to grow. Therefore, if you have an unkempt property, mold will grow on dust present on ledges, clothing, furniture, etc. These surfaces can usually just be wiped clean.
However, if you have mold that has attached itself to walls or is present inside wall cavities, you have a greater issue. Again, a trained professional is best to determine what type of mold issue you’re facing.
It’s best to call a professional when you suspect you have a mold problem in your home or business. Our management team has over 40 years of combined industry experience with treating mold here in Florida.
If you live in Ocala, The Villages, Orlando, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona Beach, or the surrounding areas and suspect you have mold, we're here to help you!
Our team works with the best Industrial Hygienists in the business to identify your mold problem and develop a protocol and remediation plan.
Read our latest insights on mold removal in North Central Florida.
