Does Your Home Have Mold? Some Red Flags

A mold infestation is one of the most common issues arising from water damage in homes. If your home has suffered even a bit of water damage, there’s still the possibility that mold is lurking around. Here are clear signs that you’re indeed surrounded by mold.

Sudden allergic flare-ups – Mold is a potent allergen. If you see someone in your family (more so those who are prone to allergic reactions) having more frequent flare-ups, there’s a good chance that your home has mold. The most common allergic reactions to mold include sneezing, sore eyes, a runny nose, or nasal congestion—all of which are caused by tiny mold spores floating in the air which are invisible to the naked eye.

An unpleasant odor – Mold isn’t a sweet-smelling substance, but it certainly isn’t the worst. Its foul odor, however, is easily recognizable. Mold has a pungent smell, which often comes out as musty to most people. The odor is often centralized on a specific area in your home where a mold colony is lurking out of sight.

Actual sightings – Odors and “unexplained” allergic reactions are good, but a visual proof is definite. Visible mold growth is pretty easy to detect, unless they’re small enough (in this case, they look like soot or dirt). Mold thrives in damp areas, so you’ll likely see it in your bathroom or in the basement (if the latter isn’t adequately waterproofed). Mold also tends to inhabit locations behind the drywall, underneath carpets, and in the pipes.

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