March 8th, 2021
When mold is out in the open, it can be pretty easy to spot. You see the black, green, or grey dots on the walls, on the floor, or even creeping onto your belongings. However, mold isn’t always hiding out in plain sight. Mold likes temperate, moist, and dark environments best, and these don’t always space you’re going to see freely or think to check. Crawlspaces, air vents, closets, under the sink, or other seldom-seen locations present the perfect opportunity for mold to thrive.
So, if you can’t see the mold, how can you determine if you have a mold issue or not? You could wait until mold spreads to open areas, or you can look for the secret or subtle signs that mold leaves behind. Knowing these secret signs of mold can clue you into a mold problem early, allowing you a quicker and easier mold remediation experience.
4 Secret Signs Of Mold
Mold can leave behind a bevy of clues, but getting to know a few very common ones is highly effective. These common secret signs of mold are simple to remember, and you can always keep them in the back of your mind to catch mold growth early. 4 of these common secret signs of mold are:
You notice odd-smelling drafts – Particularly if you have a chimney or fireplace in your home, take notice of the drafts that may come through the area. Mold is a distinct earthy scent, and this isn’t a normal scent to be coming from your chimney area. Mold can hide out in the dark, porous, and damp brick that lines the chimney, blowing spores and scent inside with each gust of wind.
You notice watery eyes – Mold spores don’t agree with the human body, and exposure to mold will cause your body to send up alarm signals. While screen time, dry air, and seasonal allergies can leave you with itchy and watery eyes, new-onset symptoms could be a clue to a mold problem growing beneath the surface in your home.
Your skin is itching and burning – Mold spores don’t just affect the eyes, they also irritate your skin. Hives, dry scaly areas, itching, and a “crawling” sensation are just a few reactions you may experience if mold spores make it to your skin.
Paint disturbances – If you begin to notice bubbling, peeling, or other odd paint disturbances on your walls, mold should be a thought that comes next. When paint begins to bubble up or peel, it’s likely due to the presence of moisture, and where there’s moisture there is often mold.
Getting Your Home Back From Mold
Mold settles in and takes over with incredible speed and efficiency. No home is too clean, too new, or too well-kept for mold to find its way in. If you suspect mold may be a problem in your home, call us at Meridian Foundation Repair and Waterproofing to learn more about our mold remediation services today.