5 Signs of Mold In Your Home

April showers help prepare the ground for gardening season but can also introduce unwanted water issues in your home which will lead to mold growth.  But the question is, how do you know if you have mold in your home? Below are the 5 most common signs that you have mold in your home …

1)      Smell

Trust your nose.  Smell is one of the most overwhelming indications that you have mold in your home. Mold has an earthy musty odour most commonly associated with “that basement or cottage smell”.

2)      Discolouration/Staining

Have you ever noticed dark spots around baseboards, in corners or on window sils? These dark spots can come in many different colours but the telltale sign is, if you try to wipe it off and it keeps coming back, chances are it’s mold growth.

3)      Soft/Wet area’s in your home

Drywall is called drywall because well, it’s supposed to be … dry.  If your drywall is wet, it is almost guaranteed that you have mold.  Mold needs moisture and a food source to grow.  Wet drywall is the perfect combination to allow mold to flourish in your home.

4)      High Humidity

Do you know what the relative humidity is in your home? Moisture in the air can cause mold to grow in your home.  Is the air in your home “sticky”? If you notice condensation around windows, or on the walls in your home, particularly in areas where hot meets cold (ie. on exterior walls or in basements) your humidity level in your home is likely too high which can cause mold growth.

5)      Poor Ventilation

Is your home stuffy or crowded with your personal belongings? Homes need to breath and require proper air flow and ventilation.  Without proper airflow this can allow moisture to build up in areas where the air flow is stifled. Limited ventilation can also amplify that musty odour as there is limited fresh air circulating through the home.

If you have mold in your home you can usually see it or smell it.  And if you’ve had a flood or leak, you should be on the lookout for signs of mold and more importantly, deal with the reason for the water issue to prevent mold from growing in your home.

If you suspect mold, call the experts at mold.ca, we’re here to help.