Mold can be a very tricky customer, and it’s not always apparent how extensive a mold problem may be – or whether the problem even exists. That’s why professionals are available to conduct detailed mold assessment, inspection, and scientific mold testing services. Using years of training and a professional toolkit, they systematically remove all the guesswork and get to the bottom of the situation. This is, of course, very useful to any homeowner who doesn’t want to take any chances with their family’s health or the condition of their property. Once you know the extent of the mold problem and what type of mold you’re dealing with, you and your contractor can develop a comprehensive plan to deal with the existing mold and prevent it from recurring in the future.
That said, it’s still difficult to know whether you actually have a mold invasion in your home or business – unless you know what to look for. Here are three signs that you may be dealing with a mold problem, even if there is no visible mold.
1. Fatigue, headaches, and other health symptoms
People often live in mold-infested environments for months or even years before they take notice. That’s because the symptoms often come on slowly and develop over time as the mold problem grows stronger. Feeling tired more often than usual, headaches, allergies, runny noses, dizziness, fogginess, and skin rashes are all common health symptoms of mold exposure. If anyone in your home is experiences more of these symptoms than usual, you’ll want to rule out mold as a possible cause.
2. Odors
A dank, musty, stale odor is common to mold infestations, even if you can’t see any mold. We’ve all had the experience of walking into an old building or room and smelling that musty, peculiar fragrance. When that fragrance exists, there’s usually mold behind it. A keen sense of smell is one of the most effective ways to detect a mold problem when you don’t have any visual clues.
3. Discolorations or stains in the walls, floors or ceilings
Sometimes mold doesn’t really look like mold. If you’ve noticed stains or discolorations on your walls, floors or ceilings, and you have no explanation for them, mold might be the culprit. A discoloration that looks like a slight shadow is a common sign of mold infestation behind the walls. These are among the most menacing types of mold infestations because they exist primarily inside walls and beneath floors. Once you open things up, though, the reality of the problem is apparent.
Dealing with mold the right way
The first, most important step toward getting rid of mold is knowing exactly where and how extensive the problem is. Only then can you determine the best course of action. Mold assessment and mold testing services are available from reputable mold specialists in your area, and they’re a great value considering the clarity and peace of mind they bring. If you have a mold problem, you’re going to be glad you checked. And if you don’t, you’ll have greater peace of mind and a better idea of how to prevent mold in the future.