8 Signs You Might Have a Mold Problem
- April 8, 2024
- 7:15 am
Mold isn’t always an obvious problem in your home or office! In fact, this living organism is pretty good at hiding in low-light, hidden areas that you might not come across in your daily life or even deep cleaning sessions.
Here at All Star Restoration in Brooklyn NY, we’ve seen mold in all kinds of hard-to-reach places. And here are eight things we tell our clients to be on the lookout for even when there are no visible signs of mold.
Don’t hesitate to call us any time! We are here for you.
There’s a lingering damp smell
Mold has a distinct smell of dampness, mildew, a gym locker room or even old books. Most of us are familiar with the smell, but if there’s a colony that is hidden behind the drywall or in your ceiling, the scent will be very subtle. You may only smell it in passing, which leads many homeowners to ignore the problem.
You can’t seem to clean your grout properly
Grout is a pretty good spot for mold spores to take hold because it’s porous and can trap dirt and moisture over time. If you find yourself cleaning your grout only for it to look dirty again in a couple of hours or days, it could be a sign of a mold problem.
Your paint or wallpaper is bubbling or warped
Generally, paint, drywall and wallpaper will bubble, sag, and start to change color when it’s come into contact with moisture. And this, as we know, is a red flag for a potential mold problem.
Your carpeting or furniture is developing discoloration stains
Similar to the hard surfaces in your home, mold can create discoloration on fabrics like furniture, carpeting, and area rugs. This could look like small spotting or larger blotches of dark coloring.
You’re experiencing low water pressure
Mold isn’t going to cause a decrease in water pressure. But, it could be a sign of a leak that creates the perfect conditions for mold! So, if you’ve noticed a dip in pressure when you turn on the tap or shower, don’t ignore it.
Your water (or coffee) tastes a bit off
One of the most surprising signs of a mold problem in your home or workplace is a change in the taste of water. Maybe your coffee or tap water taste metallic, which is a documented symptom of mold toxicity.
Someone in your home or office is experiencing respiratory irritation or other health symptoms
Mold exposure can lead to a range of different negative health outcomes in people, ranging from mild respiratory irritation to more severe symptoms.
If anyone in your family or on your team is experiencing shortness of breath, memory loss, coughing, headaches, fatigue, or sensitivity to light, mold exposure may be to blame.
Your pets are showing signs of health issues, too
Pets are also vulnerable to mold exposure, and can show a variety of symptoms such as skin irritation, excessive licking of the paws, wheezing, and lethargy.
At the first sign of mold, call in the pros
So, maybe some of the signs on this list sound familiar, and you’re wondering what your next steps are. Even if you’re not able to locate a colony on your property, it’s important to get a professional assessment.
Here at All Star Restoration, we know the likely areas where mold colonies thrive, especially in buildings here in Brooklyn and the other boroughs. We’ll also be able to identify any ventilation or humidity problems that could lead to mold problems in the future. So, even if you’re not sure that the signs point to mold, call us for a professional opinion!