Mold is a type of fungus that grows in a variety of colors nearly anywhere on Earth that's damp and moist. This can include basements and other rooms in your very own home. It is the bane of homeowners everywhere. Mold growth makes for gross and potentially dangerous conditions. Read on to learn reasons that you should get a mold inspection for your home.
Something Stinks
One of the top signs of mold is that something stinks. As mold grows and feeds off organic compounds, many species release gasses.
While some simply stink, others may cause harm. It can smell musty, rotten, or like a dirty gym locker. Some molds smell faint, while others give off a pungent scent.
If you do not know if it smells like mold or something else, get an assessment. This will eliminate let you know for sure and allow you to take the next step in getting rid of the mold so that your house smells better.
Strange Sightings
Mold often grows in damp basements, moist attics, or wet floorboards. But it can also grow inside ceilings and walls from a pipe leak, on damp personal belonging, or over any surface with standing water.
If you see something strange on any surfaces or personal belongings, consider getting a mold inspection. Mold can give off unique appearances, depending on the species.
Molds come in white, green, blue, brown, and black varieties. The colors can range from light to dark.
Some types look like fuzzy patches while others appear to ooze down walls like something out of a science fiction film. Mold may also look spotted, dry, or globby.
Water damage
Sometimes mold hides. But, if you see signs of water damage, then you should call for an inspection. This is because mold will grow anywhere with excess moisture.
Signs of water damage include:
Blotchy discoloration on walls, flooring, or other surfaces
Sagging, dipping, or bending in the ceiling, walls, or floors
Textural changes to the floor or walls
If your assessment shows no mold with this, consider yourself lucky and fix the water issue before mold takes over.
Health Problems
If one or more members of your household fall ill with no explanation, you may want to call a professional for an assessment. Mold releases spores into the air which can affect your health.
Health issues from mold can range from allergies to chronic illness. Some symptoms you may notice include:
Cough
Runny nose
Itchy, red, watery and/or burning eyes
Chronic sore throat
Tightness in the throat and neck
Hoarse voice
Chronic cough
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Increased asthma attacks
Eliminating the mold may completely clear up these symptoms. But you should still call the doctor if you do find mold and experience these symptoms.
Call for a Mold Inspection Today
If you suspect mold growing in your home, do not wait to act. This fungus will continue to grow, spread, and cause problems until you clear up the issue.
Getting a mold inspection is the first step in the process. Call our Calgary office today to schedule!