Mold is something that stays out of mind until you smell a musty odor in the basement or spot dreaded dark patches on the ceiling. Early mold detection is one of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance. Early detection can help deal with the problem without any health issues or damage to the structure.
Why Mold is More Dangerous Than It Looks
Mold is not visible all the time. The dark spots and fuzzy patches are not likely to be visible all the time. Despite being hidden behind drywall or under the surface, mold can impact the health of the residents. A long-term exposure to mold can lead to:
- Severe headaches
- Worsen asthma
- Allergies
- Skin and eye irritation
- Respiratory issues
- Fungal infections
As the presence of mold spores in the air can affect human health, the mold can also affect the structural components of the building.
What Causes Mold to Grow
Mold spores occur naturally, and they are everywhere in the air. You can’t prevent them from entering your home. But you can prevent them from settling and growing by controlling the conditions they love. Mold grows when there is:
Moisture Intrusion
If there is any roof leak, leaking pipes, or faulty windows letting moisture enter the home, it makes the environment suitable for mold growth. Mold is usually found near leaks in a building.
Poor Ventilation
Poor airflow, especially in the bathrooms, basements, or crawl spaces, creates humid, stagnant conditions where mold can thrive.
High Humidity
Mold starts to grow when the relative humidity is higher. In warm temperatures, the growth of the mold increases in the high-humidity areas of warm temperature regions.
Importance of Early Mold Detection
It is better to detect mold at the early stages, as it is easier to get rid of it. Over time, the damage caused by mold also increases. You can have the following benefits by detecting mold at an earlier stage:
- You Can Avoid Expensive Repairs
Mold left unchecked often leads to extensive damage, requiring demolition and replacement of affected materials. By detecting it early, you can address the source and clean it before it spreads and causes more damage.
- You Can Protect Your Health
The longer the mold is in your home, the higher your risk of chronic exposure. Early detection means less time breathing in spores and less damage to the lungs, you can make your place healthy to live easily.
- You Can Maintain Your Home’s Value
A home with a mold history can be harder to sell. The buyers can demand a steep discount or even step back from the deal if mold is discovered during an inspection. Early detection of mold can help you maintain the value of your home and sell it for a good price.
- You Can Prevent Mold
A professional mold detection test doesn’t just find mold; it also helps to pinpoint the cause. Addressing the root issue, like leaks or poor ventilation, you can prevent future outbreaks.
Key Areas Where Mold Hides
While detecting for mold, you should focus on these areas, as these are the favorite places for mold to grow:
- Behind Drywall
Plumbing leaks or recent floods can cause water intrusion behind the drywall. The surface can dry with time, but once mold finds its place, it grows faster there.
- Inside HVAC Systems
Mold can grow in the ductwork, especially if filters are not changed regularly or the system doesn’t drain properly. It is necessary to maintain the system regularly.
- Under Sinks
The area under the sinks has a high moisture content, making it the perfect environment for mold growth. If there’s a minor leak in the pipes, the mold will be happy there.
- In the Attic
The attic is usually the least-visited area of a home. Due to poor ventilation, mold can easily find its place here. If there is a roof leak, it becomes the favorite place for mold to breed.
- Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces have dirt, high humidity, and poor air circulation, which makes them hotspots for mold. If the environment is suitable, mold can grow in any area not visited or checked often.
Is it Necessary to Have a Mold Detection Test
You can see the visible mold spots indicating the presence of mold, but you can’t detect the hidden mold behind surfaces. That’s the major reason for having a mold detection test. The professional inspectors detect the mold, find its type, and recommend a remedy plan accordingly. For a solid remediation, you need to start with a test.
Final Thoughts
Mold starts growing silently in a home where it finds a suitable environment. It is better to stay alert for early detection. This mold detection can help you get rid of the mold at the earliest. Treating the mold at the initial stage can help you avoid structural damage, and you can get rid of it without having any health issues.
Schedule a mold test to detect its presence at your place. If mold is found, our expert inspectors will recommend the best plan to get rid of it.
