EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF MOLD PROBLEMS

EARLY MOLD WARNING SIGNS

Mold Warning Signs and Damage

Whether mold is found in a home or commercial building, mold exposure and repairs after mold-related damage can be very costly -- to both the structure itself and the health of its occupants. However, if you know the warning signs and types of damage to look for, you may be able to catch a mold problem before it causes widespread property damage and/or serious adverse health effects.

Warning Signs of Mold Damage

Mold will grow when a spore reaches an area that has (1) sufficient moisture, (2) the correct temperature range, and (3) a food source. Insulation, paper sheathing, carpet, wood moldings, or ceiling tiles can all act as food sources.

If you suspect a mold problem, the earlier an investigation takes place the better the possibility you can reduce or prevent widespread damages. There are a variety of physical warning signs that should lead you to investigate a home or commercial building for possible mold infestation. These include:

Visible mold growth
Discoloration or water stains on internally facing walls or ceilings
Discoloration or water stains on externally facing walls
Areas of standing water or condensation on floors, walls, or window sills
Musty odor

What Damage Can Result from Mold Exposure?

If mold is allowed to grow and spread in a home or commercial building, a variety of physical damage can result -- to both the structure itself, and to the building's fixtures or contents.

Building Materials and Structural Components. Mold may cause serious structural damage to a building, because it feeds on and breaks down organic matter. Therefore, when mold infests walls, insulation, paper backing, or carpeting, the materials must be removed. Cleaning and removal causes great expense and inconvenience, but is often necessary.

Personal Property. In addition to causing structural damage, mold may destroy property within the home. When mold attaches to personal property it may be very difficult or impossible to clean. Often the item will have to be destroyed because the spores cannot be fully removed.

1. High Humidity - A relative humidity level of greater than 55% promotes the growth of mold and other fungi.

2. Water/Pipe Leaks - Many mold problems originate from water and pipe leaks since they are often undetected for days, months, or even years if minor enough.

3. Flooding - Mold problems are very common after flooding. It usually requires several days or weeks to fully dry out a structure, giving colonies of black mold more than adequate time to grow.

4. Mildew or Musty Odors - Odors can often be the first or only sign of a potential mold problem. In some cases, moldy smells will only be evident when the air conditioning or heat is turned on, indicating growth within the HVAC system.

5. Increased Allergy or Respiratory Symptoms -Suffering allergic reactions in your home or building could be due to the presence of high levels of mold, especially if other signs are also present.

6. Signs of Toxic Poisoning - Toxic black mold and other fungi produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Exposure to high levels of VOCs may irritate the mucous membranes and the central nervous system leading to symptoms of headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration, and dizziness.

7. Leaky Roof - Like other types of water leaks, water intrusion through the roof is difficult to find until it is too late. If you suspect a leaky roof, check in the attic for signs of water damage or mold growth.

8. Use of Humidifiers without Relative Humidity Control - Using humidifiers can easily raise the moisture level in the air to the point where mold is able to grow at a rapid rate. When using a humidifier, the key is to regulate the relative humidity level, to ensure it stays within 55-60% RH.

9. Damp Basements or Crawl Spaces - Basements and crawl spaces tend to receive less ventilation (especially crawl spaces), and are more likely to be neglected than other parts of the home, so mold can grow undeterred for a longer period of time.

10. Condensation or Rusting - Condensation on or around pipes, windows, or walls is a sign of a leak or high humidity. Rusting on pipes in particular, and anything else metal, is also a sign of a high humidity problem or nearby leak.

11. Lots of House Plants - House plants require consistent watering, which increases moisture levels inside.

12. Discoloration of Walls (Water Stains) - Yellowish stains on walls and ceilings are a sign of excessive moisture. You may also notice places where the paint is coming off due to moisture, where drywall is "bowing" out, or where nail heads are rusting through.

13. Cracked, Peeling Paint - This usually means that there is moisture build up behind the paint. By the time the paint shows these signs, the moisture has often had an opportunity to spawn the growth of mold within the wall.

14. Blocked Gutters - Gutters that are blocked can cause water to seep into walls, through the roof, and can cause water to collect at the base of the foundation.

15. Warped Wood - If wooden materials in your home have been infiltrated by enough water to actually warp, then sufficient levels of moisture are probably present to accelerate mold growth.

16. Black Growth in Bathroom Tiles - Tile grout is porous and will allow water penetration, and mold growth behind the tiles themselves. In addition, dirt and other grime (favorite foods of mold) are easily trapped in the grout - an ideal environment for mold to thrive.

17. Loosening of Drywall Tape - This is a sure sign that moisture has infiltrated the wall.

18. Visible Biological/Mold Growth - This may seem like an obvious sign, but many people do not take a little visible mold growth very seriously. However, this can be an indication of a much larger mold growth in less visible places.

19. Clothes Dryers and Other Appliances Not Vented Outdoors - If the steam from these types of appliances is vented inside, then this significant amount of additional moisture creates a great environment for mold to flourish.

20. Poor Ventilation - If the air pressure in your home is "negative", meaning the air pressure outside is greater than it is inside, then it will force moisture and contaminates back into the home. If the air pressure is well into the "positive" side, then it can cause moisture to be forced into walls. The air pressure in your home should be slightly positive or at least balanced.

21. Presence of Wet Materials Indoors - This can include rags, steam from cooking, indoor clothes lines, carpet, or furniture. If these or other items are damp for extended periods of time, then the moisture level can be high enough to accommodate mold growth.

Call us today to schedule an inspection. (800) 369-8532