What to Look for During Mold Inspections
Jun 5, 2024
Mold is a common indoor contaminant that can be found indiscriminately in residential and commercial buildings. Before you invest in mold removal costs, many property owners want to understand the extent of a mold infestation, from the source and scope to the species. When you can find and assess the full scope of an outbreak, you should prioritize mold removal by contacting a trusted local restoration company to eliminate the outbreak for good. Mold inspections are the best way to get insight into the effects of infestations in your home or business, so you can make prompt and responsible decisions for occupants and your family’s health and best interests.
Top Triggers for Mold
Mold can end up in homes and other buildings because of a number of reasons. Mold spores travel constantly throughout the air, going in and out of homes, office buildings, stores, warehouses, and more without any discrimination. Coming in through windows, open doors, and vents, spores will typically exit until they come into proximity of other conditions that facilitate its development into a full infestation. The most substantial catalyst for mold is water damage. When exposed to moisture, mold spores replicate in just 24-48 hours into an outbreak. Other factors that contribute to the proliferation of mold are blocked ventilation, heat, and dark spaces. If you notice these signs, you will likely need mold removal in your area.
Based on the conditions that can accelerate the growth of mold. As a result, mold is found in certain rooms more commonly than others.
Rooms that Usually Have Mold
Attics: Because of the conditions in the attic, mold removal is often centered in this area of the home. Due to attic leaks and openings, water damage is a problem most homeowners face. When paired with organic materials like attic insulation and wooden beams that mold spores feed off, plus inconsistencies with ventilation, the attic becomes a hot spot for mold outbreaks. As mold continues to grow in the attic it can make your home more vulnerable to the effects of poor indoor air quality. That’s why attic mold removal is a priority for property owners, both residential and commercial.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are another common area for mold infestations. The high levels of moisture and humidity from showers, baths, and sinks create an ideal environment for mold growth. Poor ventilation, leaky pipes, and wet surfaces can exacerbate the problem. Mold often grows on tiles, grout, ceilings, and walls in bathrooms. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and prompt repair of leaks are essential to prevent mold growth in this room.
Basements: Basements are also frequently affected by mold due to their damp and dark conditions. Water leaks from plumbing, seepage through foundation walls, and high humidity levels can all contribute to mold growth in basements. The presence of organic materials such as cardboard boxes, wood, and fabric further facilitates mold proliferation. It is crucial to keep basements dry, well-ventilated, and free from water damage to prevent mold infestations.
Signs You Need Mold Removal
Before you determine that you need a professional mold inspection, you should keep your eye out for specific signs that you need mold removal. Visually, mold can be identified by its signature velvet or fuzzy texture, dark/earthy colours that range from black, grey, green, and dark brown to white, yellow, and sometimes even pink. As mold outbreaks spread, they appear in sporadic patterns along the surfaces they infest.
Going beyond what’s visible, you can identify mold by its notorious musty odour. The longer infestation outbreaks linger without mold removal, the more the identifiable odor builds. You may also notice an array of health symptoms like a peristent cough, sneezing, post-nasal drip, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation, rashes, and other allergy-like symptoms.
Make Mold Removal a Priority in 2024
Eliminating mold is key to creating a healthy and positive indoor experience. Starting with mold inspections, you can schedule prompt mold removal which can help create more positive business experiences, home showings, and more.