Check for Visible Indicators of Dampness
If you have
plumbing leaks
Or when there’s water damage, mold will likely appear next. Besides searching for clear signs such as leaky pipes, inspect for peeling paint, water marks on the ceiling, wet basement walls, and stained areas on walls, ceilings, and floors.
Maria Anderson, an expert in cleaning and mold from Clean Sweep Solutions, points out that a frequent error people make is overlooking tiny stains, which could indicate a larger issue hidden behind the walls.
Henfield Storage
.
Do a Smell Test
It isn’t the most precise method for detecting mold because people perceive odors distinctively, yet if you notice a peculiar smell, it could be an indicator.
musty or earthy odor
In your house, it might suggest that something isn’t right.
“Homeowners typically have a sharp awareness of what seems unusual within their living environment,” explains Vent. “Should that smell become increasingly apparent over time, it might indicate that some issue could be developing.”
Look for Condensation
If your outer windows or walls become damp or moist,
collect condensation
It might indicate that your home has excessive humidity, providing an ideal environment for mold development.
“These signs might not appear significant at first glance, but they indicate that you’re dealing with a broader, environmental issue. If left unaddressed, this could escalate into something more severe,” explains Vent.
Utilize Bleach to Identify Whether It’s Mold or Dust
Occasionally, mold can resemble dirt. A method to distinguish between them is by using a cotton swab dipped in a solution of diluted bleach (mix one part bleach with sixteen parts water), then applying it to the area. Should the spot fade within two minutes, or recur repeatedly upon cleaning, it likely indicates mold presence.
mildew or mold
If the region stays dark or fades away without coming back, you likely have some dirt.
Nevertheless, it’s not guaranteed since it isn’t effective against every type of mold or on all kinds of surfaces, according to Bethany Uribe, who works as a building inspector.
ASAP Restoration
.
Use a Moisture Meter
To pinpoint regions where excessive moisture might lead to mold growth, like walls and ceilings,
use a moisture meter
Readings over 20% certainly indicate an issue, according to Anderson.
Pay special heed to areas around windows, beneath sinks, and other spaces where moisture tends to accumulate, advises Erwin Miciano, who owns the business.
Semi Homes
. “Doing a thorough check of these places can save you a lot of hassle down the road,” he says.
Purchase a Mold Testing Kit
You can purchase DIY mold testing kits both online and at most home improvement retailers. These kits generally include a Petri dish designed to capture airborne spores. According to Miciano, they work best when positioned in spots prone to dampness, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
One error I’ve noticed people making is believing that one or two tests suffice,” he states. “Should your residence span across multiple floors or sections affected by seepage, it’s important to also check these zones to thoroughly understand the problem.
In addition to checking for airborne mold, you can also assess surface mold. You have the option of purchasing do-it-yourself test kits from various online platforms or local hardware retailers; alternatively, Uribe suggests sending these samples to an accredited laboratory for more thorough analysis.
“She notes that a do-it-yourself test might not cause significant issues, yet it lacks precision. Essentially, it boils down to your mental well-being. If you observe a dark, fungi-looking expansion covering a wall that was recently inundated with water, chances are high that you’re already aware it’s mold. In such cases, professional removal should be prioritized over testing.”
Hire an Expert to Check for Mold
Experts can conduct a “scrub test,” where they draw air through a vacuum equipped with a filter to gather mold spores. This method provides a more precise evaluation compared to over-the-counter air test kits. The reason being, these collected samples are then analyzed at a professional laboratory rather than tested locally.
This method is highly efficient for detecting mold spores and determining their concentrations within a specific location,” explains Uribe. “It typically lists each individual type of mold spore documented along with the amount gathered, which helps identify whether levels have reached concerning thresholds.
Inspect Your HVAC System for Mold
Air conditioning and heating ducts can serve as breeding grounds for mold, particularly when located in attics or inadequately sealed spaces. To avoid mold growth within these systems, ensure they undergo regular inspections, maintenance, and cleaning sessions. Should you notice mold developing on ceilings beneath a vent or grille with no indication of water infiltration from above, poorly insulated ducting could likely be responsible.
Additionally, “During the summer, the warm air in the attic along with the cool air inside the ductwork can lead to condensation within and around the ducts, potentially causing mold growth,” explains Chad Thielk, a home improvement specialist.
JustAnswer.com
This is where an air test can assist you in detecting higher levels of mold in the atmosphere.
Explore the Region Using a Screwdriver
Mildew is a superficial form of mold that doesn’t compromise your house’s structural integrity. However, different kinds of molds can lead to decay. To detect this issue, poke the questionable spot using a screwdriver or another pointed instrument. Should the timber feel spongy or disintegrate upon contact, then you’re likely dealing with an established fungal infection accompanied by incipient rot.
Monitor Your Air Quality.
Certain air quality monitors are capable of measuring the level of mold spores present in the atmosphere, assisting you in identifying potential unseen fungal growth within your home.
Look for Leaks Outside
When mold appears on an outside wall or ceiling, check for a leakage in the wall or roof. Take measurements from the mold-affected section to a fixed marker such as a doorway, and locate the corresponding position on the opposite side of the same wall or ceiling.
Thoroughly examine adjacent vents, roof flashing, decks, window wells, and areas where wood is deteriorating. Check for ground slopes towards the house and downspouts discharging beside the walls. Should the soil surrounding your home become overly saturated, this can lead to moisture seeping into the foundation or slab, resulting in chronic dampness. Ensure you
properly install flashing
while repairing the leak.
How To Prevent Mold
Mold tends to proliferate in areas with more than 55% relative humidity. To prevent mold growth, regularly check humidity levels, especially in basements, advises Vent. Additionally, he suggests:
- Frequently inspecting your pipes for drips,
- Watching for window condensation,
- Checking your attic annually,
- Maintain your built-in humidifier for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) at less than 55% relative humidity.
- Operating a dehumidifier in your basement,
- Frequently swapping out your furnace filter
- Verifying that the downspouts and gutters are working properly; and
- Making sure the slope of your basement directs water away from the house, particularly close to flower beds and various landscape features.
Additionally, maintain cleanliness overall. “Although this might seem straightforward, having a tidier environment is beneficial,” states Vent. “Maintaining good home hygiene effectively prevents mold development.”
FAQ
Is it possible to check for mold in the air?
Yes, you can test for mold in the air. There are DIY kits which sample for mold in the air. However, professional sampling, known as a “scrub sample” is more accurate. Those use a vacuum, which pulls air through a filter, and is sent to a medical lab for testing.
“As a home inspector, if you think you have mold but cannot see it, I say you should definitely call a pro to have an air sample taken,” says Thielk.
How much does a mold test cost?
Premium laboratory tests typically range from $300 to $600. In contrast, do-it-yourself test kits begin at approximately $35.
At what point should you hire an expert?
If the mold is only on the surface, you might be able to simply clean it using soap and water, according to Uribe. Avoid using bleach since it doesn’t impact mold in any way; in fact, certain types of mold can even consume bleach.
If you notice mold on the rear side of a section of baseboard that you’ve removed from the wall, and this area was recently submerged in water, you’re in for a significant fungal problem,” warns Uribe. “And if you fail to contact experts, your insurance provider might consider you negligent.”
Alternative situations requiring you to contact an expert include:
- You believe mold might be impacting your well-being;
- If you have severe allergies to mold, suffer from asthma, or have an impaired immune system;
- If you have children or elderly people at home;
- You’ve removed the mold, but it has come back.
- The impacted region exceeds 10 square feet (else you might disperse it through the air).
- It simply doesn’t sit right with you handling this situation.
According to Miciano, “Based on my experience, whenever you’re unsure about the severity of a mold problem, it’s best to call an expert. You shouldn’t compromise your well-being or jeopardize the security of your property by taking shortcuts. Additionally, I’ve learned just how important it is to address these problems at their onset.”
About the Experts
-
Russell Vent
is Vice President of
Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Rochester, New York
, and holds a state license as a mold remediation specialist with over 16 years of experience in both residential and commercial settings, including work in hospitals. -
Bethany Uribe
is a building inspector certified under AHERA
ASAP Restoration
In Mesa, Arizona, she boasts almost ten years of expertise in both the construction and water damage restoration sectors. -
Chad Thielk
is a third-generation construction worker. Starting his career in the field at just 15 years old, he previously worked for a commercial renovation firm before transitioning into being a specialist in home improvements with
JustAnswer.com
, the on-demand platform for 24/7 help from pros. -
Erwin Miciano
is a real estate investor and owner of
Semi Homes
, which specializes in direct-to-seller home buying transactions in Southern California. -
Maria Anderson
is a cleaning and mold expert at
Henfield Storage
in England.
