Signs to Watch Out for When Checking for Mold in Your Home
December 7, 2010
The home is where we spend most of our time in, particularly for kids and stay-at-home moms and dads. As such, proper care and maintenance should be observed in every home. Regular cleaning will keep the environment free from unwanted illnesses brought about by bacteria, viruses, and disease-carrying pathogens. But even with a clean environment, there are still ways wherein these toxins can penetrate the home. Mold is a type of pathogen that is commonly found inside a home and these usually appear as greenish black spots that grow in no specific areas of the house.
How can molds be detected? There are certain signs to watch out for when checking for the presence of molds in the home.
Moisture Build-Up in Uncommon Areas
Although molds are easily visible in areas such as the walls, ceiling, flooring, and sinks, there are unseen portions of the house where molds grow and thrive abundantly. Black molds grow undetected on dark areas such as the interior walls, under the bathtubs, behind the wallpapers, and drywall. These areas are usually moist and dark, a kind of environment that is most favorable to mold growth on the surfaces.
Signs of Leaking, Drips, and Cracks
Certain areas of the house may go through problems associated with leaking, water drips, and surface cracks. If you noticed that your water pipe has leaks or if the faucet keeps on dripping, this can be a cause for the presence of mold due to moisture. If the washing machine and dryer are placed in the basement, the faucet and pipe fittings should be inspected for any possible leaks. Any leaks on the roof and attic encourage growth of molds, which may not be quite noticeable. Cracks on walls and ceilings are also potential areas where moisture develops. If any of these problems occur, it must be repaired immediately before mold starts to thrive and populate.
Musty Smell of Molds
Aside from its hideous appearance, molds also have a dank and musty smell. If you sense this particular odor in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, attic, and basement, there is a big possibility that molds have infested the area. The basement is a damper portion of the house so it is most likely that such area is populated with molds. There may also be clogging in the kitchen sink that can be the main cause of the stinky smell of mold infestation.
When conducting a general inspection for any traces of molds in your house, make sure to check all possible areas where molds can develop and even those parts of the house which are not frequently checked and cleaned. Be vigilant of the visible signs and the distinct smell of molds.
