Given the right conditions in your home, mold will quickly take up residence in your home and start causing problems. According to Comfy Living, about 78% of homes have mold, and around 28% of people are vulnerable and at risk of mold-related health problems.

That means your health is potentially in danger, and the alarming thing is you might not even be aware of this issue until it has become serious. Fortunately, there's a way to nip mold in the bud, and that's by knowing when to schedule a mold inspection. Keep reading to learn about which signs to look for.

Water Damage and Leaks

Mold thrives in areas where there's plenty of moisture. So, if you have any areas in your home where there are leaks or water damage, you should schedule a mold inspection and have it checked out. If there's a flood in your home, it's easy to find the source, and it's important to get the water damage fixed as soon as possible before mold has had a chance to flourish. However, smaller leaks may require some investigation.

This requires checking for water stains on your ceiling, walls, or puddles on the floor and under cabinets. Again, it's crucial to get the problem checked out as quickly as possible. Otherwise, mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water damage or a leak has occurred.

The problem with leaks is that they can originate from anywhere, including water pipes, water heaters, sink pipes, toilets, faucets, or showers. So be sure to check these areas regularly. The sooner you catch a leak, the more damage you prevent, saving you money and a lot of headaches.

If you suspect that mold has already started growing in your home, the best thing is to hire a mold remediation company. The company will conduct a mold inspection first before taking appropriate measures.

High Humidity Levels

Leaks and water damage are not the only factors that create the perfect conditions for mold to thrive. High humidity is also another culprit. Ideally, your indoor relative humidity should be below 60%, but humidity levels in your home may increase due to the increased use of combustion stoves, dryers, humidifiers, and steam radiators.

All of these increase the amount of moisture in your home. If you don't have proper ventilation in your home, you need to schedule a mold inspection as it's likely you have mold growing in your home.

Musty Smell

The growth and spread of mold in your home are often accompanied by a distinct, unpleasant, musty smell. Chances are, you're already familiar with the natural smell of your home, so it's easy to notice an abnormal smell that's suddenly creeping around. If it hasn't rained recently and you notice this moldy smell, you will need a mold inspection to help you confirm if the problem is serious.

Mold Growth

It goes without saying that once you see mold visibly growing in your home, you don't need to rely on the signs and symptoms of mold. The only thing is to act fast before the mold spreads further. Once mold enters your air conditioning system, it will spread easily to other parts of your home and cause health problems.

Not only that, the more mold spreads in your home, the costlier it becomes to fix the issue. If you're not sure whether you can identify mold accurately, call a professional. The problem is mold can have a range of colors, such as black, blue, orange, and green.

In addition, the texture, shape, and size of mold vary greatly, so if you see anything suspicious, you need a mold inspection conducted by experts.

Why You Should Schedule A Mold Inspection Fast

Now that you know which signs to look for when testing for mold, it's important to realize why you should let an expert test your home for mold. For starters, some species of mold pose a risk of health problems. Mold can affect you or your family members in a variety of ways. For instance, those with allergies may start experiencing issues like frequent sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and other respiratory problems.

A mold expert can test the mold in your home to see just how dangerous the type of mold is. They will also help you identify the root of the problem and give advice on the best way to get the problem fixed.

Should you suspect mold contamination in your home, contact us immediately. We will respond quickly to ensure that mold does not spread further. This, in turn, keeps the air in your home clean and protects you from health problems.