How to Tell If You Have A Mold Problem

What is mold?

Mold is defined as a growth of fungus that occurs on food or in a home in moist warm conditions. It is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. The best example of mold can be seen in bread left in a damp environment, or mold that can be found in your basement after it’s flooded from the rainy season. You can also recognize mold by its smell.

Having some mold in your home is normal, but too much mold can cause health issues. Some people are sensitive to mold, and can experience wheezing, and red or itchy eyes or skin. When mold eats, grows, and multiplies, it releases Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOC). MVOC is a variety of compounds formed in the metabolism of fungi and bacteria and it can cause eye and upper-airway irritation. There is limited evidence that it can cause shortness of breath and develop asthma. And if it gets worse sometimes it can produce toxins that cause adverse effects in humans.

So, how can you tell that you have mold problems? Here are some signs that can determine that you have mold problems.

Mold Smell – Not all molds smell, but many do. The smell that mold produces is like an earthy, damp, tangy, musty, or rotting wood smell. For most, it is a very unpleasant kind of smell.

Visible Growth of Mold – Active mold growth requires moisture. Places like windows, pipes or leaks in roofs, or areas of the home that are flooded or have been flooded are where mold can be visible. Visible mold growth may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery. Some molds are not visible, which can be dangerous if not caught in time.

Water Leaks – Moisture from water leaks can produce mold if left alone for too long. Leaking water often contributes to the growth and spread of mold. These water leaks are often caused by condensation on pipelines or leaks from pipes, leaking roofs, or rain, so it would be visible in wooden ceilings or walls.

Water Intrusion – It is the uncontrolled movement of water or water vapor into areas in a building where it is unwanted and undesirable. For example, the water trapped behind paint film, wallpaper, or items attached to the wall can lead to mold growth. Water intrusion is a serious concern.

Past Flooding – Past flooding can cause molds. Mold is caused by floods or other dampness. Mold growth is a common occurrence in flood-damaged homes and damp environments.

Health Symptoms – If you are having health issues such as skin allergies, coughing without a cold, chronic fatigue, watery and stinging eyes, etc., these are common symptoms of black mold in your home. Black mold is a Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as the toxic black mold.

If you can see, smell, or experience these signs then it means you have mold problems. Mold can become a problem in your home if there is enough moisture to allow mold to thrive and multiply. Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor in preventing mold growth.

Mold is a common issue in homes. Though not always dangerous, mold can cause health problems that could develop long term issues like infections in the lungs. It can also cause structural damage to your house.

Protect yourself from mold problems by contacting us at FSM today! We offer free moisture control quotes to homeowners in our Michigan service area. Each quote includes an on-site inspection and written quote. We proudly serve Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Muskegon, Jackson, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Sterling Heights, Charlevoix, Flint, Clio, Gaylord, Madison Heights, Midland, Lexington, Mt. Pleasant, Adrian, and the surrounding areas in Michigan.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.