Cleaning & Restoration Solutions
Often called a “silent killer” mold can be tricky to spot. But here at Camelot Emergency Water Removal, we are a fully certified mold inspection and remediation contractor. We know the telltale signs of mold that a homeowner might miss.
Most signs of mold fall under one of two categories: signs in your body and signs in your home. Because mold can affect our bodies physically, the way you feel might indicate there’s a mold problem before you ever spot it in your home. On the other hand, some types of mold don’t cause an allergic response, which means signs in the home will be your key to determining if you have a mold problem.
If you suspect you may have mold in your home, you’ll need to call a professional mold inspector to be sure. Here are some signs that it might be time to make that call.
Signs in Your Body
Mold exists in many forms, but only a few dozen types of mold can cause allergic reactions. Still, if you’re suffering from any of the following symptoms, mold may be the culprit.
- Stuffy nose
- Red, itchy eyes
- Wheezing
- Itchy or tingling skin
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Asthma attacks
- Fatigue
- Fever (usually only in severe cases)
Typically, those who suffer from other upper respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD) may have a more severe reaction to mold than those who are otherwise healthy. However, mold in the home can affect anyone; healthy individuals should seek to remove it immediately from their homes, even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms or if their symptoms aren’t severe.
Signs in Your Home
Mold can usually be seen or, at the very least, smelled. It typically looks like small spots, although the color can vary and doesn’t indicate how dangerous the mold is. Most people report that mold smells musty, like opening an old book. If your house smells foul instead of musty, you may have a mildew problem, not a mold one.
In general, these are some of the signs of mold to look out for in your home:
- Any white, powdery substance
- Leaks
- Warped or discolored paneling or floor tiles
- Water seeping in after rain
- Damp or wet spots on your floors, walls, or ceilings (sometimes accompanied by black or green stains)
Remember, mold forms in damp or wet areas. If you suspect you may have a mold problem, you’ll likely find evidence in areas of your home that are susceptible to dampness, including:
- Your kitchen
- Your bathroom
- Near your windows
- Your laundry room
- Near your humidifier
How to Prevent Mold in the First Place
The best way to prevent mold is to act quickly when conditions set in that promote mold growth. This means fixing any leaks as soon as possible, keeping an eye on your home’s humidity levels, and making an effort to ventilate damp areas when water is running (bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.). It also means getting your home thoroughly dried and cleaned if it has been flooded or suffered any type of water damage.
Remove Mold from Your Home
Our professional mold inspectors have the skill and experience necessary to come to your house and determine if you’re suffering from a mold infestation. If that’s the case, Camelot Emergency Water Removal can remove the mold and clean and dry any affected areas. We can also clean and sanitize any HVAC ductwork that may have circulated the mold through your home.
If you’ve noticed signs of potential mold in your home, our Lansing and Kalamazoo, MI, mold inspection and remediation specialists can help. Call Camelot Emergency Water Removal today at (833) 252-0488, or contact us online.