6 Ways to Find Mold in Your Home
Posted in Mold, on December 09, 2021
While the easiest way to tell if you have indoor mold is to see it, this isn’t always possible. SafeAir’s mold inspection in Toronto services can help you root out hidden mold infestations and problems lurking behind walls or in the attic. Mold testing in Toronto is the only safe and effective way to take an in-depth look at the secret life in your home — problems that could cost you thousands of dollars and health issues if left uncovered.
How to Find Mold in Your Home
At SafeAir, we recommend professional mold inspection & testing in Toronto, and we’re often asked how we know it’s time to book one. Here are six ways you can look for mold in your home.
1. Dampness
Unusual moisture is one of the first indicators that your home could be harbouring a mold infestation. Water is a necessity for mold growth, and it can appear in many rooms of your home. Whether it’s condensation, a leak, or an unexpected flood, drying out damp areas as soon as possible is key to mold prevention.
2. Soggy Spots
Another common sign is wet areas on your wall or floors, which is usually indicative of hidden mold infestations that are causing the materials of your home to break down. Pressure, such as when you step on an area or keep a heavy piece of furniture on it, can hasten the process.
3. Musty Odours
Mold has a characteristic musty odour that’s hard to miss. Even if the mold growth is hidden, the smell is usually detectible by the human nose — no special equipment needed.
4. Visible Spores
Spores are usually challenging to see with the naked eye, but if your home is seriously affected, you may be able to notice an increase in a dusty substance coating furniture or other objects.
5. A History of Flooding
Once-in-a-century floods are becoming more common as the climate changes, making a careful assessment of your surroundings necessary for many homeowners. If you live in a flood-prone area or have a history of basement floods, it’s crucial to have a mold inspection after each water event. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours, and early detection is key to minimizing the damage.
6. Health Issues
One of the most common complaints about indoor mold growth is health problems. Most people will experience an allergic reaction to mold growth that resembles the common cold or flu: itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, headache, and congestion — except this flu never goes away! In homes severely affected by mold growth, people may experience more severe symptoms, like fatigue, dizziness, cognitive issues, or pneumonia. Mold has been linked to the development of diseases like asthma, making it a serious health concern for growing families or households with elders or the immune-compromised.
How Mold Inspection Helps
Regardless of whether you live in an old house, a new condo, or a post-war bungalow, your home can be affected by mold growth. Mold is a naturally occurring fungus whose job is to break down organic materials. This process is great out in nature but can cause thousands of dollars of damage, adverse health effects, and indoor discomfort when it happens in your home.
At SafeAir, our mold inspection and testing services take a deeper, science-based look at the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing. While mold-specific testing is helpful, you may also want to think of more generalized indoor air quality tests to assess your home for common problems like radon gas, asbestos, VOCs, and environmental pollutants.
Respiratory health is key to general health: fresh air feeds your brain and muscles, as well as affecting your skin, hair, and eyes. Canadians spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and we all deserve healthy and safe indoor environments. To speak to a SafeAir technician about mold inspection in Toronto, reach out to us through our contact page to learn more about how we can help.