Ever come across a woolly growth on any of your walls? What looks like mere foliage may be harmful to you and your family. Mold can be of several colors. It mostly smells musty. Mold grows in damp, moist, and mostly dark areas. Your attic and basement are the first growth spots for mold and mildew.
Ways to Detect Mold Growth at Home
An Increasingly Dirty Surface
While mold is easily detectable, it doesn’t appear as fungal growth at first. Most mold-covered surfaces mostly look dirty. You can do a quick swab test to detect if it’s mold. Dip the swab in diluted bleach and press it against the affected wall. If the spot lightens easily, your walls are infested with mold! Our mold inspection company can readily perform mold detection through specialized equipment.
Probe the Affected Area with a Sharp Tool
Mildew doesn’t penetrate deep into walls. It’s a type of mold that could be easily probed using a sharp object or a screwdriver. If the wood crumbles with touch, the mold has dominated the wood, and rotting has begun.
Inspect Your Home for Plumbing Leaks
If you spot mold near waste lines and plumbing fixtures, the mold is most likely feeding off the leak. Research depicts that moisture allows indoor molds to grow and multiply. Mold needs moisture to spread as well. Our residential home inspection services in Atlanta perform air quality testing to trace signs of mold in residential properties. Get in touch with our home inspectors in Gwinnett County, Atlanta, today!
Ways to Prevent Mold Infestation
Mold is responsible for many health issues, including sore throat and stuffy nose. Many end up with skin rash and burning eyes if they remain in moldy surroundings for a long time. People with asthma are especially required to take caution and avoid moldy environments.
Here are some ways you can consider preventing mold infestation.
Maintain Humidity Levels At Home
Research estimates when humidity levels are above 60%, there is a good chance for mold growth. Fair breeding grounds for mold have a relative indoor humidity of around 80% RH. Maintain humidity levels at home to curb mold growth, and check the humidity levels throughout the day to resist an increase in humidity as soon as possible.
Keep Your House Ventilated
Allow a free flow of air in your home. Use attic fans and exhaust fans that keep moist areas in your home well-ventilated. Install an HVAC system in your home to control indoor temperature.
Fix Plumbing Leaks at Home
A damp wall is all mold needs to grow on your property. Ensure you fix all plumbing leaks quickly to avoid a dense mold outgrowth.
Choose Us for Annual Home Inspections in Atlanta!
At Whole House Home Inspections, we use completely safe products to rid your home of possible mold infestations. Our service offers a 24-hour response for your various residential and commercial home inspection needs. To hire us, call us at 770-370-4269.
