Mold is a problem home owners face every year, and they often don’t even know it. If you’ve been suffering from what feels like a low-grade cold for a long time, or if there is stale, musty smell in your house, you may have a mold problem.
Knowing where to look for your mold problem is an important first step to resolving it. Once your problem is confirmed, you can begin mold removal and remediation.
Places with Leaks or Water Damage
Mold sprouts wherever there is standing water or excess moisture, so the first places to look are locations where there has recently been a leak or signs of water damage. If you have a room that has recently been flooded, or that has exterior walls with poor insulation or waterproofing, then you should be on the alert for the telltale appearance and musty odor of mold growth in those areas.
Water damaged carpeting and furniture are particularly susceptible to mold, especially in areas that are rarely exposed to light. Other dark places, such as closets, can also be fertile breeding grounds for mold.
Basements and Crawlspaces
The darkest, dankest areas of any home are usually the basements and crawlspaces. These areas are some of the first places to search for mold, and they are the locations where any mold removal or remediation project will likely begin. Check these areas carefully for signs of bad smells and signs of mold spores, as well as for leaks and standing water.
Locating and Resolving Mold Problems
Once you’ve located your mold problem, mold removal and mold remediation can begin, improving the atmosphere of your home and hopefully reducing your symptoms. To prevent mold growth from recurring, you should contact a general contractor to discuss solutions for water and moisture proofing your home.