Have you recently started suffering from allergies? Does your house smell a little musty? Do you experience water-related problems in your home? If the answer to any of these questions is a yes, then you most likely have a mold issue at your home. If you can’t see any visible signs of mold, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not there. Mold can grow without being visible in places like behind the walls, in the air conditioning ducts, above the ceiling and below the floors.
Mold Inspection
If you have even a slight suspicion that you might have mold in your home, it is always advisable to do a thorough inspection. First, look for signs yourself. If you have had water leakage in the past, that area will be a good place to start your inspection. Any mold infested area will give off an odor; so even if you can’t see it, you will be able to smell and feel it. If you suspect mold infestation but can’t find the source, your next step is to call a professional.
Where to Look for Mold
- Walls: The most obvious place to look for mold is on the walls. If you see cracks in paint or foundation, this can be a result of mold.
- Floor: Floors gather lots of dust and also trap moisture in carpets and fabric. The two of these conditions allow for the growth of mold.
- Ceiling: Following the notion that heat rises, the ceiling attracts lot of humidity and becomes a playing ground for mold.
- Windows: Due to frequent condensation, windows are generally humid. Though mold can’t grow on glass, it can grow on the frame and wall on which window is planted.
- Insulation: Insulation could be breeding grounds for mold, especially if there was ever a leakage nearby. This is an important one to check as it is out of sight.
- Basement: Due to its lower location, basements are generally more damp and humid, attracting mold. This part of your house needs special care and attention.
- Air Ducts: These are very susceptible to mold colonies growing inside the ducts as a result of air condensation and humidity.
- Clothes: Wet and damp clothes left un-attended for more than a day can have mold on them.
