Mold is not only smelly and disgusting, it can also be dangerous. And when spores get into the air in your building, they can be nearly impossible to remove.
If you see the signs of mold in your building, it’s easy to get disheartened or even overwhelmed, but there are ways to conquer such a nasty invasion.
The key is to catch the problem early on and take immediate action. If you are in a building with signs of mold and you don’t take action, the problem can grow out of control quickly.
Keep reading to learn the warning signs so that you can clear mold from your building before it becomes a serious problem.
1. That Horrible Odor
One of the most distinctive signs of mold is its horrible odor. Its pungent smell takes over a space making it almost impossible to be in.
If you notice a persistent odor in your environment, then mold could be at the root of the smell. In this case, it's best to call in a professional to inspect and determine if mold is present in your building.
2. Visible Signs of Mold
It may seem obvious that visible growth is a clear sign of mold, but many people won't notice small amounts until it's too late.
They may mistake the mold for soot or dirt or just ignore it until it becomes a bigger issue.
If you can see any mold growing in your business, even if it’s only a little bit, you should call for an inspection immediately.
A small patch of mold will spread quickly if the conditions are right. What’s now a small annoyance can turn into a major problem seemingly overnight.
In fact, if you have visible mold, it can be a signal of a much larger colony growing out of sight on the other side of your walls.
Since there are so many different kinds of mold, it can sometimes be difficult to spot mold. Mold can be white and thread-like or black and blotchy. It can appear in small clusters of spots or cover a surface and these variations can make it tricky to distinguish whether something is mold or just a simple stain.
3. A Known Moisture Source
Many people let mold growth foster until it gets out of hand. If you have a known moisture source in your building like a faucet or pipe leak, then this can quickly lead to the development of mold.
It is best for immediate action to be taken against any type of water leakage or else mold will grow quickly in the area around the leak, even if its initial growth is out of view.
4. Respiratory Problems
Mold is known to cause serious health problems.
They include:
- Shortness of Breath
- A Chronic Cough
- Sinus Congestion
- Skin Inflammation
- Irritation of Mucous Membranes
- Internal Organ Damage
- Nausea
- Hemorrhage
- Immune System Suppression
There is no way to relieve these problems without getting all the traces of mold out of your building. Once it has been eradicated, your body will start to recover and your symptoms will subside.
However, if you are exposed to black mold for a prolonged period of time, then you can experience permanent lung damage. Make sure you get help restoring your building when you see the first signs of mold to ensure the safety and health of yourself and the people around you.
5. Past Flooding
If your building or business has ever flooded in the past, there is a really good chance that you will have a mold issue down the line.
It’s nearly impossible to get all of the moisture out of your floor and walls after massive water damage thus providing a perfect home for mold.
6. Discolored or Stained Walls
Even if you can't see mold itself, discolored or stained walls are a sign that it may be lurking.
To determine if your stains may be a warning of mold, you should have your building or business inspected, especially if the discoloration occurs in an area that is prone to moisture.
From there, they will be able to tell you if your problem is mild, or something more serious.
7. Fatigue and Trouble Concentrating
Toxic mold doesn’t just affect your body’s physical health, it can also play tricks on your mind.
You may experience problems with concentration or even memory loss after a few weeks of exposure.
Mold can also cause chronic fatigue. If you feel relief from such fatigue from an air conditioner or by taking a step outside than that can be an indicator that the cause is mold which thrives in humid conditions.
Choosing a Mold Inspector
If you are noticing any signs of mold that have been mentioned, then it is essential that you hire an inspector. They can provide you with the cause of your problem and tell you the steps it will take to clear it up.
A good inspector will know all about the psychometrics of mold. These are the measurements of humidity, temperature, and dew point that contribute to the growth of a colony.
They will also have the extensive biological knowledge to help you get this organism out of your building. They should be able to gather samples and perform tests on your mold and interpret the lab results to analyze how best to attack your issue.
They will also provide you with an inspection report that documents their visual findings, environmental observations, lab results, and recommendations.
Before you choose an inspector, make sure that they have the right credentials. Shop around and find a company that makes you feel comfortable.
If someone tries to get you off the phone quickly or doesn’t seem interested in hearing about your problem, then you should look for another provider. Their attitude in the initial phone call is an indication of the kind of work they will do.
Where to Go for Restoration
If you suspect that there is a mold problem in your building or business, then you should contact us today.
CRC offers comprehensive mold removal services. We will give you a free inspection to find out the extent of your issue and let you know what it will take to correct it.
Sarah Chadwick: April 2, 2024
