Mold can be a severe problem, especially when it grows in places that don’t get enough ventilation. Whenever you spot dark speckling on your walls or other surfaces, it’s a good idea to call in professionals for a mold inspection.
Unexplained health symptoms, visible mold patches, and lingering musty odors are all signs that you need to hire professional services for mold remediation.
Unexplained Health Symptoms
Mold spores thrive in moist and humid environments, which makes it easy to see why mold often grows in areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. These spores, which may be gray, brown, or white and have a musty or stale smell, are known to cause a wide range of health issues when they are inhaled.
When a family member experiences unexplained allergy symptoms, a persistent cough, or watery eyes, it could be a sign that the home has mold growth and requires immediate professional remediation services. This is especially true for those with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma. These symptoms result from inhaling untreated mold spores; these spores can worsen over time. A quality professional mold remediation service like Pure Maintenance NV will thoroughly assess the situation, including hard-to-reach areas. It will guarantee that any spores that remain won’t return.
Water Stains
A home or building that has sustained water damage and subsequent mold growth can be a severe health hazard. Mold spores can be inhaled and cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and lung problems.
Any lingering water can quickly turn to mold, especially in warm environments that provide the perfect breeding ground. This is why getting any leaking areas repaired as soon as possible is essential.
Water stains on the walls and ceilings and the softening of paint or wallpaper are all signs that you need professional help. This is especially true for homes with a history of flooding. When water stains soak into the drywall, it creates the ideal environment for mold to thrive. Mold growth can then erode the surface and further damage the structure of your home.
Visible Mold
If you can see mold growth on surfaces like drywall, cabinetry bases, ceiling tiles, and carpets, it’s a good idea to call a professional for inspection. Visible mold is a sign that something in the area is feeding it, such as a water leak. It’s possible to scrub away some visible mold growth with the right cleaners, but it’s usually best to get a pro involved. They can treat the affected surface and stop any active leaks.
Hidden mold spores can also cause health issues, especially for young children and immunocompromised individuals. Accurate mold testing can show you how many invisible spores are in your home and compare them to outdoor air samples. These tests can also tell you how much mycotoxins (toxic mold toxins) are in the air.
Slow Leaks
Mold spores thrive in areas of high humidity. Suppose you notice a strong, musty smell, the presence of visible mold or black mold in your home, and health symptoms like coughing, fatigue, watery eyes, and rashes. In that case, it’s essential to call a professional immediately to investigate, identify, and fix the issue before mold spores spread further.
The best mold remediation services begin with an inspection of the property, air and sample testing for spores, and moisture control. For severe cases, this may involve removing drywall and flooring, running air scrubbers, and conducting a post-remediation test. To prevent mold from returning, reduce humidity levels by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier in summer, removing carpeting from humid rooms like bathrooms, and fixing any leaks promptly. Then, follow up regularly with the CDC’s recommendations to reduce the risk of future problems.
Preexisting Water Stains
Unless you have a good reason to do so (such as your asthmatic child’s health), don’t try to clean visible mold from your home yourself. Remediation specialists have the equipment and knowledge to do it properly: they test surfaces and air for spores, create a removal protocol and follow it precisely, run industrial air scrubbers, and complete post-remediation tests to confirm your home is safe.
Mold is a nuisance that can ruin the appearance of your home and pose a severe threat to human health. It’s also challenging to treat correctly, as it often grows behind walls and in other hidden areas a DIYer might miss. That’s why hiring a restoration company offering mold remediation services is essential. ServPro is one such service with a national network and excellent customer support.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.