One of the sneakiest problems that can become heinous without you even realizing it is hidden mold in your home. It can hide behind walls, beneath floors, and in places you least think of checking. You only begin to notice it when the damage is already serious, and the health risks are too great to ignore. That’s why you should know how to recognize it before it becomes a bigger problem.
In this blog post, we will go through some of the most common signs of hidden mold, the symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent the situation from escalating.
Why Is Hidden Mold In Your Home Such A Big Deal?
Mold loves damp places, and hidden mold in a home can spread fast. In many cases, you can see or smell it after the damage is done. Mold also harms structures like walls, ceilings, and floors, and not only does it look unsightly, but it can be dangerous for humans, especially for those with respiratory conditions, allergies, or poor immune systems.
Statistics show that about 50% of homes in the US are plagued by mold, and the most likely problem is hidden mold. If you find hidden mold in house symptoms early, you can avoid incurring huge expenses for its removal and ensure your family is safe.
Places To Find Hidden Mold In Your Home
Places that are moist and out of sight are where hidden mold in your home is likely to grow. It may lurk in:
- Behind Walls: Leaks that may allow moisture in your walls from pipes or windows can lead to mold hidden behind walls.
- Under the Floors: Mold can grow under floors or carpets if there is a leak (e.g., a burst pipe, flooding). It can be detected once it has already spread.
- Attic and Basement: These high-humidity areas sometimes have leaks and poor ventilation, making them fertile ground for mold growth.
- Behind Appliances: Washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and even toilets can have leakage issues. Mold can grow beneath or behind them, hidden from view.
Mold can infiltrate areas with moisture and poor airflow. If you have any of the above spots in your home, they are possible breeding grounds for mold.
How To Identify Hidden Mold In Your Home
Hidden mold is not easy to detect because it cannot be seen for a very long time. However, some signs and symptoms can guide you towards its early identification.
Musty Odors
A musty or earthy smell is one of the first signs of hidden mold in the home. Even if you can’t see mold, you can smell or sense a damp, unpleasant odor, suggesting it’s nearby as you walk into a room.
Health Symptoms
The onset of certain health symptoms is another sign of hidden mold. Mold may be the source of unusual allergy-related coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes. Asthmatic people or people prone to allergies may suffer acute reactions such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or skin rashes. If these symptoms come up every time you’re at home, you need to look for hidden mold in your home.
Water Damage Or Stains
Water damage and stains generally mean mold is present somewhere. Yellow, brown, and dark-hued stains indicate water leaks or flooding that may spur mold growth hidden from view.
Increased Humidity Or Condensation
Excess moisture or humidity in a room usually indicates that mold is growing somewhere in it. Condensation on walls, windows, and pipes also indicates excess moisture issues, which can be due to the presence of mold.
Visible Mold Growth
Mold can sometimes be found under carpets, around bathroom fixtures, or on baseboards. If you see moldy spots that are out of the way or hard to reach, tend to them immediately.
Hidden Mold In House Symptoms: Health Issues
The growth of hidden mold in your home can be the beginning of a troubling health problem for you and your family before you even notice a problem. Signs and symptoms that may occur due to mold include:
- Allergy-like symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Respiratory Problems: Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Skin Rashes: Unexplained breakouts or irritated skin.
- Frequent Headaches: Mold can cause continuous tiredness and constant headaches.
- Asthma: Mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks or increase their intensity.
How To Prevent And Eliminate Hidden Mold In Your Home
To prevent and exterminate hidden mold, you must do the following.
Regular Inspections
Your home has miles of vents and pipes running throughout it (much more than your car’s). Look for water stains or signs of condensation, and if water comes in, take care of high moisture levels.
Fix Leaks Promptly
Whatever the source of the leaks, seek immediate attention to resolve them. Leaks lead to water accumulation, which can encourage mold growth over time.
Control Humidity
Use dehumidifiers and good ventilation to keep humidity down in your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Humidity below 60% inhibits mold growth.
Call In The Professionals
If you cannot find the source of the hidden mold in your home, or the problem is extensive, you would be better served by calling in the experts for a thorough inspection. Professional mold inspectors have the devices and expertise to discover mold in places where you would not see it.
Conclusion
Finding mold in your home before it spreads is critical to keep your home’s structure intact and your family healthy. By paying attention to warning signs such as musty odors, water stains, and health symptoms, you can catch mold before it becomes a big problem.
If you suspect hidden mold in your home, don’t wait until it’s too late. Elite Inspections’ specialty is scoping and eliminating mold problems you didn’t know existed. Our expert team and latest technology can help keep your living space safe, dry, and free from mold.
Contact Elite Inspections to have a hidden mold inspection done on your home and protect it from hidden mold issues before they worsen.
