How to Tell If You Have Mold Hidden in Your Walls

One thing no homeowner wants to hear is that they have a mold problem. Mold causes issues for individuals with allergies, and can exacerbate health problems even for those who do not have allergies to mold.

Allergies and Mold

If the humidity in your home is high, you probably have mold growing somewhere in your home. The following are all common allergic reactions to mold: runny nose, sore eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion, irritated, itchy throat and shortness of breath.

There are over one hundred thousand types of mold known to man. Most of them are black mold, with the exception of a few. The most frequent types of indoor molds are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium. Stachybotrys chartarum is not as commonly found in buildings as the other molds species, but it is not rare.

If you are having trouble with your allergies at home, you will want to run through the list of potential allergens. Is it dust or dust mites? Pollen? Pet dander? Make note of when your allergies are exacerbated. Are your allergic reactions worse when you are home, but when you are out of the home, you feel better? All of these clues will help you determine what the problem is and what you can do about it.

In general, human beings are not meant to live alongside mold. Allergic reactions to mold are common, and most doctors recommend you take precautions to both prevent the growth of mold in your home and to avoid exposure to mold.

Signs of Mold

You might not be able to see mold, but you can definitely smell it. Mold has an unpleasant smell, like wet socks, rotten wood or leaves. To grow, mold needs food, water, and a dark stale temperature climate that does not freeze or boil.

In many cases, a pungent musty odor could be the only sign that you have a mold problem. This is because mold can grow in places you do not see, such as inside your walls, inside and alongside the insulation. It can grow in upholstery and carpet, too. So… if mold is often hidden, how can you figure out if you have a mold problem?

If you smell a musty smell, you should inspect your home so the issue does not worsen. An obvious sign of mold growth is seeing what may look like water stains or smudges that look like a coffee stain or dirt stain. Visible signs of mold could also lead to a bigger mold nest growing that you cannot see.

Small patches of mold growth can be easily overlooked or mistaken for dirt. It is common for home owners to dismiss the small visible mold sign in their home; we encourage you to take note of any strange-looking patch that looks like dirt of coffee. However, mold is not always black or green. Mold can also be a gray- green color, gray-brown, even white in color. The color of mold can even appear purple, pink, orange or pink based on its surroundings; if it is growing behind wallpaper. Orange mold is also common in places like the shower.

If you don’t see any visible signs of mold, have a pro come out and take a look. A professional will use moisture sensors to see if you have the right conditions for mold growth and will be able to tell if you’ve got hidden mold inside the walls or carpets of your home.

Suspect You Have Mold? Get Help Today

No matter the size of the growth, you should act immediately. Even the smallest patches of mold can spread. Signs of mold means that your house has the right surroundings for more mold to grow, and even a small amount, if not removed properly, can cause significant health problems.

Take care of mold as soon as possible you do not want it to become a bigger problem. Give us a call and we’ll examine your home for signs of mold. Though we don't offer mold restoration services, we can put you in touch with a reputable company that does, and we'll do everything we can to prevent mold from growing in your home to begin with. We look forward to protecting you and your home!

Article Summary

Quick question & answer: How do I know if there is mold in my walls?

If you have mold hidden inside your walls, you should be able to smell a pungent, musty odor. If you see a water or dirt stain, there may be a large quantity of mold behind it where you are unable to look. Signs of mold mean your house could foster more mold, resulting in health issues like an allergic reaction.