How Early Detection of Mold Growth Can Stop an Outbreak in Your Home

Posted in Mold, on February 25, 2025

After a flood or water leak, one of the best things you can do for your home is to book a mold inspection in Toronto. There are several reasons the SafeAir team recommends this form of air quality testing: 

1. Mold is extremely common in the GTA. 
2. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours!
3. Mold is a health and safety hazard. 

Air quality testing in Toronto is a safe and effective way to stop a new or established outbreak in your home before it starts causing serious problems. 

Signs of Early Mold Growth

Water is the number one cause of mold outbreaks in family homes. While an unexpected flood or burst pipe is hard to predict, in our experience, it’s small leaks, drips, or consistent problems that cause the worst problems. Air quality testing can help detect some of the effects of these issues, but many can also be spotted by the senses, such as: 

• A musty odour like rotting leaves. 
• Patches of mold, or stains and discolouration indicate hidden outbreaks. 
• Sneezing or congestion. 
• Headaches. 
• High indoor humidity. 
• Water damage, such as spongey floors, walls, or ceilings. 

How Early Detection Prevents a Full-Blown Outbreak

Catching mold quickly is the best way to avoid expensive and extensive repairs and remediations. Mold spreads quickly when it's untreated and can grow underneath carpeting or behind walls, making it hard to spot. 

Mold affects both the structure of your home and your health, making the impact more significant than other common household repairs. The SafeAir team suggests testing for mould growth any time there has been a leak or flood, during renovations, or when moving — the valuable insights you gain from early detection can help you adequately clean up and prevent future problems or offer important information during the decision-making process. 

The Importance of Testing and Inspection for Hidden Mold

SafeAir’s job would be a lot easier if mold growth were as evident as a burnt-out light bulb! Unfortunately, mold growth prefers areas that are hard to reach, like the attic, crawlspace, basement, or inside walls or cupboards. These locations generally have some commonalities, such as low traffic, moisture, and restricted airflow, which enables mold to grow unchecked. 

Mold inspection and testing is the best way to find hidden mold growth without tearing apart the house. At SafeAir, we use several sensitive tools and testing methods that look at the air, surfaces, ventilation, temperature, and humidity to determine whether there is mold growth. These tests are non-invasive and can tell us a lot about your indoor environment. They’re easy to add-on to standard air quality testing in Toronto.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Mold

Preventing mold is the best way to avoid mold problems at home, but if there’s been a problem or you suspect mold has already taken root, there are several things you can do to lessen your risk. Our first step is to arrange for professional mold testing — guessing about location or trying a DIY method often leads to damage or further problems. 

If there’s been a water leak or flood, the most important thing to do is dry up the water ASAP. Get the air moving by opening windows or using fans, shut off leaking pipes, and move things away from the wall or off the floor to promote as much evaporation as possible. Drying up this moisture quickly may help prevent mold entirely if it’s a sudden issue. 

If you suspect there is already mold growing due to a long-term water issue or just have concerns about a dark stain or funny smell, it’s time for a mold inspection. The SafeAir team will take a thorough look at all the factors and provide trustworthy answers and remediation advice, should that be necessary. 

Catch Mold Early with SafeAir

Just like with physical health, early detection and preventative measures can significantly improve your home’s health and safety. Mold can strike during any season - even winter! - and affects century homes dwellings just as often as new condos. Mold inspection in Toronto is a safe way to assess your risks and uncover hidden mold growth. It’s especially valuable for young families or households with elders, populations that are at greater risk for adverse effects from exposure. To learn more about how SafeAir tests for mold in Toronto, or book an air quality test, mold test, or environmental assessment, contact our team for full details.