Have you ever read one of those horrifying tales of homeowners who live in an aesthetically designed house that is appealing to every passer-by but the insides of the construction are rotting with ugly black mold? Well, if you haven’t then at least beware that you do not turn out to be one of those homeowners. Yes, the problem is indeed common.
Because your basement is the lowest place in your home, it is where water is most likely to collect. This water can cause problems, from mold growth to water damage to high humidity levels and more. Avoid all of this by installing an interior basement drainage system. The best way to fix a wet basement is to have a full-perimeter interior basement drainage system installed in your basement.
The fastest way to avoid being in such a situation? Invest in a professional mold inspection service. However, the smart question here is how can one identify that they need mold testing?
To help you out, we have compiled a list of top signs that you need to look out for. In case, you observe these signs, immediately consult a mold remediation expert and begin the restoration process. If you leave the issue unattended, then you are putting your family’s and your own health at a huge risk.
Without any further delay, let’s begin.
#1. Are there any visible leaks in your home?
Any leaks that are visible to you with your eyes are a red flag yelling, “you have a mold infestation in your home.” In case, these water leaks are inside your walls especially the bathroom walls, then there are more than 90% chances that you have mold growth deep inside the construction.
#2. Can you see the water damage?
Any water damage on your home’s walls particularly if it is around the sinks, toilet seats, faucets, etc, is a big sign of mold growth. These are the vulnerable areas for water damage.
But, here is the rub. When the water damage becomes visible to the naked eye, the mold has grown deep in roots. Seek immediate assistance otherwise, the damage can easily worsen.
#3. Have you observed condensation indoors?
If you observe condensation water drops on your glass windows, it is a sign of water imbalance in your home. This generates a moisture imbalance and causes water damage to the walls.
In case, the condensation gets too much inside or outside your home, then mold growth can begin at a minor level. But, if left unattended, this can worsen rapidly.
#4. Are there unpleasant smells inside your home?
Do you experience unpleasant or pungent smells around your house? Or do the people who visit your home complain the same? Then it is a sign of mold infestation. Mold has a foul, wet, and musty smell.
Either way, if you are experiencing the smell or others are complaining about it, it is a call for a mold inspection. If you hire the mold inspector in time, you can stop the infestation way before it gets worse or before you need to hire costly remediation.
#5. Is the paint on your walls getting discolored or chipped off?
If you see the paint on your ceiling or the walls getting discolored or chipped off from the walls, then it is a sign of severe water damage inside. This will eventually lead to mold growth that won’t become visible for a long time.
#6. Are your wallpapers peeling off?
If you have wallpapers on your walls, then moisture would absolutely destroy them. Water and wallpapers are not a great combination. Old wallpapers can chip off from the bathroom because of increased moisture. So, if you observe peeling off wallpapers then it is safe to bet that there is a mold infestation in your home.
#7. Have you seen any cracked moldings?
Cracked moldings can indicate water damage in your walls, especially related to your roof and any leaks found in the area.
If you have cracked moldings, it could mean that a lot of water and moisture has already penetrated your walls. Inspect all moldings around your home and, if you spot damaged areas, have them inspected immediately.
#8. Are people in your home experiencing allergies or breathing difficulties?
A lot of people especially kids and old people get severe allergies from mold. If people in your home are sneezing, coughing, and experiencing strange allergies, then it is a sign of mold infestation in your walls.
So, if you are facing water leaks, chipping off paint from the walls, or any other red flags can lead to allergies, hence, a professional mold inspection becomes inevitable.
Is there water standing outside your home?
Another major red flag that indicates mold infestation is standing water outside your home. If this water is standing near your walls or beside the washroom, then it can find its way into the walls pretty quickly leading to severe mold infestation.
Standing water is not a sure shot sign of mold infestation, however, if this water remains in the palace for too long then mold growth becomes inevitable and so do the health issues.