Have you noticed signs of mold in your home? Some of the symptoms are obvious, whereas others are often neglected by homeowners.
This harmful fungus affects not just the homes of individuals but also their health. Spores contain mycotoxins that trigger allergies and other health problems in people with poor immune systems.
Apart from health symptoms, mold growth can be recognized by weird smells coming out of the HVAC system, condensation, dark grout between shower tiles, bubbly walls, water leaks, etc.
There is a multitude of Washington DC mold removal service experts helping homeowners enjoy a clean environment.
The following signs indicate you need to hire one.
The HVAC system smells weird
One of the most subtle signs of mold presence in your household is the strange smell coming from your HVAC system. Standalone AC units are the primary spots for the growth of this fungus, as they are damp, dark, and usually exposed to warm temperatures when not used. Also, homeowners who place their ACs in heated basements or closets in the course of winter increase the chances of mold development.
If you have been feeling unusual smells for a longer time period coming from your cooling or heating system, make sure you hire an HVAC specialist to check the system for traces of this fungus. The best way to prevent such growth is by having the system regularly inspected by such professionals.
Condensation
Another sign to look for if you suspect mold in your home is condensation. If you notice signs of condensation on the doors and windows, it means the amount of moisture in your home is high. Moisture is highly likely to lead to mold growth and indicates high humidity levels in the house. Humid environments represent the best grounds for the growth of this fungus.
If you happen to have problems with condensation, the best option would be investing in a dehumidifier, which would keep humidity levels optimal and gradually eliminate dampness. You can also contact mold remediation experts to locate and eradicate the spores that have already grown because of the wet environment. Check out the following tips for preventing condensation on windows.
Dark grout between shower tiles
Another obvious sign of mold growth inside a house is the appearance of dark grout between shower tiles. The grout is most likely a fungus, but it’s usually the harmless type. Nevertheless, if you have recently experienced a leak in your bathroom plumbing, you might be dealing with a more toxic variant of fungus.
The wisest idea in such scenarios is to contact mold remediation experts to take a sample and send it to testing in order to confirm the shower is safe. These professionals would also eliminate the present signs of mold and locate the source to prevent it from growing again.
Health symptoms
Mold sickness is also a symptom that indicates the presence of this fungus in households. These health symptoms are especially visible in people who suffer from asthma and allergies, as they can worsen their condition to the point of feeling sick. Household members who develop an allergic reaction to this fungus experience nasal congestion, watery eyes, and continuous coughing.
Some individuals might even develop skin allergic reactions in the form of itching and tingling, but these occur when they come in contact with the spores. In those instances, the body releases histamines to defend itself against the reaction, which leads to dry and flaky skin. The following link, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323419, explains the effects of black mold exposure.
Peeling wallpaper and bubbly walls
Other obvious signs to look for if suspecting mold are bubbly walls and peeling wallpaper. Although wallpapers are prone to discoloration over time, surface abnormalities and peeling might indicate moisture presence inside the wall. Moisture is considered a precursor to this fungus.
Such infestation can also result in the formation of bubbles on painted walls. The areas that have the most moisture are the likeliest to bubble up. The first areas to examine for bubbliness are the walls in your basement and bathroom, as well as every area nearby the windows.
Prior to repainting the walls or putting another wallpaper, homeowners should contact mold remediation professionals to find the source of moisture. After remediating the issue, you can scrape the paint and dry the surface to prepare it for repainting.
Moreover, this fungus can also appear in the form of wall discolorations, such as dark or colored spots. It appears in various textures, shapes, and colors. Some variants are green, whereas others look greyish. If your walls are covered in spots, you should check for a pipe leak or measure the level of humidity in the room.
Water leaks
Homeowners in Washington who have experienced a water leak or flooding in their homes should check the affected area for mold growth. Given the sneakiness of this fungus, it doesn’t take long before it grows behind wall paint and underneath the floors. The most common source is usually found behind walls nearby leaking pipes.
Warped and bubbly walls are some of the symptoms to watch out for after a flooding incident. Additionally, you can look for water stains on floors, ceilings, and walls. If you aren’t exactly sure where to look, mold remediation experts can help you detect the most affected areas and remediate the damage.
Infection
Mold infections aren’t very common, but these usually occur in individuals with poor immune systems, lung problems, or other respiratory conditions. Although such infections may not cause any symptoms at first, they might progress to severe symptoms over time like chest pain, fever, wet cough, wheezing, etc.
In case you experience such symptoms, have a consultation with your doctor to receive some instructions for stopping the inflammation. Also, you should get in touch with remediation experts to eliminate all spores and traces in the house.
To sum up
If you notice any of these signs, make sure to contact the experts and resolve the issue!
