As one of the most common causes and irritants of respiratory symptoms around the home and workplace, mold is a frequent irritant. Mold has chemical properties that make it troublesome for many people, and that also make it difficult to locate in many cases.
At Aerolite Consulting, we’re here to help. Our mold testing services will help identify the presence of this harmful substance, and will allow you take the proper action. Let’s look at a few common signs that mold might be present in your home or business.
Odor
Smell is one of the top signs of mold, and often one of the first that our senses can pick up. You’ll sell a dank, musty odor in places where mold is growing – if you can’t see mold, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s likely hiding out of sight, under a rug or behind a piece of furniture.
Visible Signs
In other cases, you’ll be able to see mold with the naked eye. Greenish or black areas are usually the primary sign here, or areas with a shiny residue. Basic mildew found around the home is also often a precursor to mold. In addition, you could see smaller mold spores – these look like dirt or soot, so they can be tough to differentiate in some cases.
Previous Water Damage
If your home has had water or mold damage issues in the past, it’s likely at a higher risk for a repeat of these issues. The basement and attic will be at the highest risk here. If appropriate, check your home’s warranty information to find out about damage coverage.
Allergy Flare-Ups
If you notice that you or others in the home start having allergies or asthma issues, but rarely have them in other locations, this could be a telltale sign that mold is present. Mold often aggravates these symptoms.
Condensation
Another possible sign is condensation in and around the house, especially on areas like metal pipes or glass windows. This means there’s too much moisture in the home, and this will often be followed by the formation of mold.
For more on signs of mold in the home, or to find out about radon testing, lead testing or any of our other home inspection, speak to the pros at Aerolite Consulting today.
