Did you know that roughly 70% of homes in the United States have mold in them? If you’re worried you have dangerous mold growing in your home, you’ve come to the right place. From the smells to the symptoms, we’ve rounded up some of the major mold red flags to watch for and how to test for mold.
Even if you can’t see mold, it could be lurking, causing damage to your home and the health of your family. It isn’t always easy to detect, but when you know the warning signs, consult a professional, and complete the right tests, you’ll all breathe easier. Let’s jump in and see if your home needs a mold testing service.
Ways to Test for Mold
Without professional help, it isn’t always easy to detect mold. We have testing services that can find mold in your air. Without lab testing, this type of detection is almost impossible.
We will collect an air sample and test for mold spores in the air from your home. The sample is sent to a third-party company for lab analysis. After the results are returned, we’ll follow up with the next steps and mold removal if necessary.
We can also inspect visible mold in your home and take a look at the suspected mold area. If you believe you have mold in your home, it’s crucial to act quickly. Toxic mold is dangerous to your home and, most importantly, your health.
Mold, often invisible, poses a significant challenge in maintaining home safety. Many homeowners are unaware that roughly 70% of homes in the United States harbor mold, potentially causing chronic respiratory issues and other health problems. Testing for mold, particularly when invisible to the naked eye, necessitates professional mold services. These experts employ advanced techniques, such as professional air sampling, to accurately detect mold spores in the air, which are often missed by untrained eyes.
Mold Testing When You Have a Damp and Musty Smell
If there’s a room in your home with humidity and poor ventilation, you may first notice a foul smell. This damp, musty smell could be a sign that you have a mold infestation.
On days when there’s heavy rain or high humidity, you may notice the smell for a short period, but it will go away within a couple of days. If the smell doesn’t disappear, it’s time to try mold testing.
How to Test for Mold If You Have Had Previous Water Damage or Flooding
In a home with a history of flooding or water damage, there’s always a chance mold could develop if it wasn’t properly taken care of. Mold could also develop near drainage and leaky pipes. When water falls constantly into a wall or flooring, this is an ideal place for mold to grow.
Mold loves dark, humid, environments where water is present. If you have a problem with leaks or flooding, this could be one of the signs you need mold testing services.
If You or Your Family Have Chronic Respiratory Issues or Allergies
While small amounts of mold aren’t harmful, consistent mold inhalation is dangerous to your health. If you or your family are experiencing chronic respiratory problems, mold could be to blame. Coughing and trouble breathing are all harmful side effects of mold.
You may also experience chest tightness, chronic runny nose, allergies, headaches, and fatigue. If you suspect your symptoms are due to mold, you’ll want to have testing completed. Long-term exposure to mold is dangerous for yourself, your family, and your pets.
When You Can See Visible Mold
By the time you see mold, you know you have a problem. Visible mold colonies mean you’re beyond the point of do-it-yourself options. When you can see mold on tile, flooring, walls, or wood, it’s time to call the professionals.
If Your Home Has Had Mold Before
If you’ve recently purchased a home with mold, you’ll want to keep an eye out for more mold in the future. While the previous homeowner may say the mold has been taken care of, you’ll want to check it’s been properly and professionally removed.
If the source of water or humidity causing the mold hasn’t been taken care of, you may keep getting mold in the future. Lab reports can tell you if mold is still present. You can then take care of the root of the problem or leak.
The Importance of Testing for Mold
Unfortunately, mold doesn’t go away on its own. If it’s in your air, you’re breathing it in, and it’s going into your lungs. If you can see mold, it’s tempting to try and remove it, paint over it, or deep clean it. These measures may cover it up temporarily, but it’s only a quick fix.
The cause of the mold will likely keep bringing mold back. Covering it up or masking it won’t prevent it from returning, growing more, or causing damage. This is why getting professional help is so critical.
Just because you can’t see mold doesn’t mean it isn’t in your air. If your family suffers from allergies, chronic illness, or sickness, mold could be to blame. Invisible mold is only detected using professional help.
How to Test for Mold Today with MAS
If you suscept mold, it’s time to enlist the help of a mold testing service. If you don’t know how to test for mold, this isn’t something you can try to do yourself. The health and safety of your family are too important.
Leave mold to the professionals for peace of mind and safety. To learn more about professional mold testing, fill out the contact form here for 24/7 service. We’ll help you determine if you have dangerous mold in your home.