Mold spores are everywhere, and while some are beneficial, others can be highly destructive, causing significant health and property damage.

Many homeowners ignore signs indicating mold infestation due to mold removal costs. But the truth is, the longer you wait, the greater the cost of professional mold removal.

If you notice discolored patches on walls and ceilings or if your home recently developed a musty odor, you may have a mold problem. However, before contacting mold remediation services, you must be sure of what you’re dealing with.

Thus, this article highlights tell-tale signs indicating you have a mold problem and relevant information regarding mold remediation.

Identifying Mold: Signs You Have a Mold Problem in Your Home

Strange Musty Smell

A stale, musty odor is one of the many signs your home may be a mold breeding place. The smell usually starts out faint, intensifying as the mold spread. 

Mold releases microbial volatile organic compounds into the air, including pungent chemicals like terpenes and aldehydes. The mixture of these chemicals produces unpleasant smells, impairing indoor air quality.

Often, mold’s musty smell disguises itself as other household odors. If you notice a strange smell without a source, such as a trash bin, there’s a chance mold is growing in your home.

Asthma or Allergies that Worsen Over Time

Mold is a common indoor allergy trigger. As the mold spreads, it releases microscopic spores into the air. Excess mold spores in your space can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, including:

• Nasal congestion
• Frequent sneezing 
• Chest tightness
• Red, watery eyes
• Itchy nose, eyes, and throat

If you experience any of these symptoms that worsen indoors, contact mold remediation services as soon as possible.

Chronic Headaches and Fatigue

Besides exacerbating asthma and allergy symptoms, prolonged exposure to toxins from certain mold types can contribute to health deterioration and sick building syndrome.

Sick building syndrome is a medical condition associated with poor air quality in enclosed spaces such as apartments. The most prevalent symptoms of this syndrome are headaches and fatigue, typically starting within a few hours of staying in affected areas.

Recent Water Issues

It’s no longer news that damp environments encourage mold growth. Did you experience a water issue recently? Or is your home’s humidity higher than usual? Calling these risk factors for mold is more accurate than warning signs.

Ideally, mold spores are harmless and inactive in the air and will not grow unless they encounter moisture. Spores require humid, wet, or damp environments to develop into mold.

Perhaps you recently experienced flooding or a pipe burst. Contact reputable restoration specialists to handle the situation.

Dark Stains on Walls and Ceiling

Surface mold usually indicates an underlying, extensive mold problem. Black or brown stains on walls and ceilings are typical signs of a mold infestation.

To confirm your suspicion, inspect the texture. Mold can be easily smeared and is usually soft or fuzzy. Another way to test for mold is to introduce drops of diluted bleach to affected areas; if the stain lightens after a few minutes, you have a mold problem.

Most mold removal service costs depend on the damage severity, location, and mold type. Black mold removal costs more as it requires a higher level of expertise and a different remediation approach.

Peeling Wallpaper or Bloating Paint

If your walls feature wallpaper and you notice bubbling in some parts, especially areas close to the floor and ceiling, that’s most likely a sign of water damage, and mold could be growing behind your walls and wallpaper.

Temperature and humidity changes can cause condensation to form on your wallpaper’s backside. The trapped moisture loosens the wallpaper, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.

What Does the Mold Remediation Process Involve?

Antimicrobial Application  

This step is an excellent correction measure if you recently had plumbing issues in your home or business but noticed no visible mold growth. Antimicrobial agents will prevent mold from breeding in the wet areas until they get dry while killing existing spores on your property.

Source Identification

Effective mold removal means addressing the root of the problem to avoid reoccurrence. Mold often grows in areas close to moisture. Particular areas of concern include basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and window sills.

Mold mitigation experts identify susceptible areas using state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment and thermal imaging to determine areas with excess moisture.

Mold Containment 

Mold grows and spreads quickly if presented with suitable conditions. After fixing the source of moisture, your mold remediation specialist will isolate the affected areas to prevent the spread of spores to other areas of your property.

Air Filtration

Disturbed spores become airborne during mold removal, warranting air filtration. Mold removal companies run negative air machines with high-efficiency particulate air filters throughout the mold cleanup to rid the air of dust, spores, and other airborne contaminants. 

Removal and Cleanup

Disposal of mold-affected items is an effective way to ensure effective mold removal. Don’t hesitate to toss out mold-infested furniture, wood trim, drywall, insulation, and carpets.

Replacement and Repair

Since the disposal of affected items is inevitable, replacing items like drywall, flooring, and furniture is necessary. At the end of the day, your home or business will be free of mold and safe to live in or transact in.

DIY Mold Remediation vs. Hiring Mold Removal Services

Undertaking mold remediation vs. hiring experts depends on the damage’s location and size. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests hiring removal experts for mold areas beyond 10 square feet. Otherwise, you can handle the cleanup.

However, we recommend contacting professionals for a detailed and guaranteed service. Professionals have the knowledge and equipment to remove mold and prevent reoccurrence.

Suspect Mold on Your Property?

If you live in Indiana and suspect mold is growing in your home, contact A+ Restoration to get professional help. We are a leading restoration company specializing in mold removal and remediation, among other things.

Visit our website to explore our services and read customer reviews. For more information, reach us at (317) 671-7712.