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Mold Warning Signs: How to Tell if You Have a Mold Problem – Mold Blogger

Find mold before it becomes a major mold problem Mold is dangerous. It reproduces quickly, and once mold spores get into the air, they can be difficult to remove. Knowing this makes it quite disheartening when a homeowner finds a mold problem in the home they live in. Discovering that you have mold within your home can cause you to feel a strange gamut of emotions. You might initially feel disgusted, frustrated or you may even feel a sense of being overwhelmed. Placing your home up for sale might be the first thing that pops into your mind, but that should be a last resort. Having a mold problem does not mean that you cannot get your house back. However, it does mean that you must take immediate action. Many people actually live in a home with mold and never realize it is there. They ignore the warning signs until the problem reaches a point where the mold is taking over and affecting their health. If you can find mold BEFORE it becomes a major problem, the remediation process will be substantially cheaper and easier to complete. There are warning signs that can alert homeowners to a potential problem. If you notice any of these warning signs, take the necessary actions to inspect and remediate. Warning Signs of a Mold Problem: It is so important to be aware of what the signs are that you may be sharing your home with more than just your family. Signs that you may have mold include (but are not limited to): [adinserter block=7] A strange odor Mold has a pungent smell. When it is confined to one area of your home, you may notice an unpleasant odor when you are in that area. Mold can sometimes live within the walls or behind wallpaper, and so you might not immediately ociate the smell with a mold problem. If you do notice an unusual persistent odor in your home, the culprit may be mold. The best way to determine if the smell is coming from a mold is to hire a certified mold inspector to come by and check it out. He will be able to run tests to determine if you have a mold problem in your home.  The appearance of mold In your shower stall or bathtub, it is easy to distinguish normal soap s from mold. However, in the basement or cellar, you may have to investigate a little further to find the mold. Mold will take hold of damp areas, so if you have a wall or floor where dampness collects, mold could very well be there as well. It can hide in corners or dark areas all over your home. Virtually no area is immune. While not all mold can be easily seen, a quick inspection of your home may alert you to visible signs that you have a mold problem. Schedule periodic visual inspections of your house - especially in susceptible areas and during susceptible times of the year. The quicker a mold problem can be identified, the better for everyone involved. A known moisture source If your house recently flooded, your roof recently developed a leak or you know you have a source of water ingress into your home, then you know you have a potential for a future mold problem. Even if you aren't sure what the source of moisture is, once you discover that you have moisture, you should take this as a warning sign of a future potential mold problem. Identifying and fixing the moisture source is key to preventing or stopping the growth of mold in your home. Health symptoms Because mold is not always visible, it can be difficult realizing that you do indeed have a mold problem. If you feel listless, congested and experience watering eyes while in your home, these can all be signs of the presence of mold. It is not uncommon for a person who lives in a home that has mold to feel better while at work or out shopping. Their health problems begin the moment they step through their front door. Mold can often be the cause of this. Be cognizant of your symptoms. What do you feel? When do the symptoms get worse? Are others around you feeling something similar? Can you narrow it down? Do You Have a Mold Problem? If you do suspect that you may have a mold problem, you'll need to put on your investigator hat and get to work right away. Mold can become a serious issue very quickly so you won't want to waste any time.  Check all moist areas of your home first (think basement, attic and other areas you do not frequently visit). Check baseboards and ceilings of your home in addition to walls. Pay special attention to windows, doors and other seals to the outside. Walk the outer perimeter of your home checking for signs of water intrusion. If it is safe to do so, inspect your roof. If that doesn't turn up any visible mold, consider calling in a professional to perform a thorough inspection of your entire home. A professional inspection will bring peace of mind as well. Mold can be a sneaky beast. One of the questions that may pop into your head when you suspect mold is whether you need to get out right away. Mold can be quite dangerous to your health. If you know you have a mold problem, it can be difficult to stay in a home where the mold is causing an odor or is visible. While a small amount of mold will most likely not cause any health concerns, you should always do what makes you most comfortable. Putting your family and yourself in jeopardy isn't an option. If you do suffer from allergies or someone in the home is showing symptoms of mold illness or allergy, it might be wise to find a temporary place to stay until the mold problem is addressed. If you are in doubt, ask your mold remediation professional whether or not you should vacate the home until the mold problem is fully remediated. Many people choose to stay with friends or family or stay temporarily in a hotel while the mold is remediated.  [adinserter block=7] The most important takeaway is that once you suspect a potential mold problem (no matter how small), you do something about it and take action right away. Ignoring the warning signs that you may have mold only prolongs the problems you will experience. Be aggressive in locating the source of the mold and addressing it. After all, nothing is more important than your health and the health of your family. Mold can become a serious issue very quickly if left untreated.  Further Recommended Reading : How to Test your Home for Mold Problems How to Choose a Mold Inspector Preventing and Treating Mold Naturally

Mold Warning Signs: How to Tell if You Have a Mold Problem

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A strange odor

Mold Removal Cost – What You Can Expect To Pay – Mold Blogger

If you have found mold in your home, you are most likely wondering how much you can expect to pay to get rid of it. Of course, mold is a serious condition and must be remedied right away. You'll want to take immediate steps to identify and remove the mold while also fixing the source of moisture that led to the environment which allowed mold growth. When you are deciding whether to take care of the mold yourself or call in a professional, consider these questions. How much mold is in your home? How has the mold gone? It can be difficult to ess how much the mold has grown beyond what you can see without a proper mold inspection, especially if it is hidden into walls or cracks and crevices. Surface mold is much easier to deal with and contain. There are many sprays and soaps that are made to kill and remove mold. Many homeowners may even be proficient enough to replace drywall and insulation on their own. The real problem arises when the mold has gone airborne or has gotten into several structural elements of the home. And sometimes it can be difficult to know how far the mold has traveled. What caused the mold? It is greatly beneficial to determine the source of the moisture that caused the mold when determining whether or not you should perform your own mold remediation. Obviously, the source of moisture must be remedied as well as the mold. Knowing the source of moisture may also help you determine how much mold is present, especially if you know how long the moisture has been an issue. For example, you may know that your roof started leaking from a small hole a month ago which may help you determine how much mold is present and how it has grown. Perhaps you had a flood or other known source of water into your home. Again, the problem arises when there are unknowns. Even if you find the source of the moisture, can you be certain on the length of time exposed and how the moisture has traveled? If you are uncertain, it is best to call in the pros. The health and safety of your family is much more important than the price you'll have to pay to remove the mold, but this guide will help you if you need to get a bid. If the area is a small one, you can remove the mold yourself with just a few dollars worth of cleaning supplies. If you're concerned about breathing the spores, you can get a respirator, which will cost from around $25 for a simple over the mouth and nose version, to around $150 for a full face professional level unit. If you're unsure if you need a respirator there are 7 ways to know if a mold is dangerous. For large infestations, it's time to call in the pros. [adinserter block=7] When The Job Is Too Big It's much cheaper if you can deal with the mold yourself, but large areas can’t be handled very easily be a homeowner. One of the things a mold remediation specialist can do is clean areas like the crawlspace under your home and the duct work in the walls and attic. Mold spores that get into your heating and cooling system can get recirculated through your home, continuing to make you sick even if you’ve cleaned up the area where you originally found the mold. Alright, so what can it cost? The level of infestation will directly affect your mold removal cost. The remediation cost of a crawlspace can really vary. It could be as little as $500 or as much as $4,000 depending on how big it is, and how much mold is present. If the attic and ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. If your home has been flooded and the mold is all throughout it, there is much more that has to be done. This could drive your remediation cost up to $10,000 - $30,000, or higher, depending on the size of your home. Even though you have an idea of how much mold removal costs, be sure to shop around. The first company you find might not be the best one for your needs. Pricing can vary between companies, but you also have to pay attention to the experience levels and what kind of guarantee they have if the mold comes back. Remember Insurance Considerations Most consumers don't have that kind of money to spend out of pocket, so when you're considering insurance, make sure you get something that will cover at least part of the remediation cost if you live in a flood zone.  If your home has mold, here are some tips to handle water damage claims through your existing insurance. [adinserter block=7] Look For Experienced Remediators You want people who've been removing mold (especially black mold) for a while, not new people who aren't sure about the job. You'll also want to see if there is some kind of guarantee offered – and there should be. You don't want to find out that the people didn't do their jobs properly and the mold has come back, only to be told that there is nothing that can be done until you pay more money. When you choose to hire a certified, professional mold remediation company, you can rest ured that the job will be done thoroughly and completely. They will send experts to your home that will be able to ess the extent of the damage and inform you of the required remediation and repairs. They will also be able to ensure that the mold doesn’t return after remediation is performed. Final Thoughts When you find a company where you feel comfortable with the people, the work ethic, the guarantee, and the remediation cost that fit with your personal finances, you'll be able to get the mold removed from your home and you and your family can get back to enjoying your lives. You'll be much healthier, and your home will be a safer place to be. More Reading How Borax Kills Mold 3 Reasons Why You Should Never Use Bleach To Clean Mold   SaveSave

Mold Removal Cost – What You Can Expect To Pay

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Symptoms of Household Mold Exposure – Mold Blogger

What are the Symptoms of Household Mold Exposure? There are a lot of things that make us sick. From the common cold to more serious viruses, every year brings new germs. But what if it isn't a germ that is making us sick? What if it is something else? What if it is something growing in our homes? When a person feels ill they may not immediately consider the cause to be mold. Mold can and does cause serious health problems in many people. It helps to understand the symptoms of household mold exposure so that you can recognize them should they emerge in you or a member of your family.  Exposure to mold has several symptoms including: A skin rash: There are many reasons you may develop a rash, and household mold exposure is one of them. Although you may think that the skin can only become inflamed by direct contact with the mold, this isn't always the case. You can develop redness in your skin simply from inhaling the fumes from the mold. If you develop a rash on your skin and don't have an answer as to what caused it, don't rule out household mold exposure. Head on over to a dermatologist who can help diagnose your condition. [adinserter block=7] Eye irritation: Eyes are a sensitive organ, and they can easily be affected by mold. Mold can cause both redness and watering of the eyes when exposed. During the spring months, many people ociate this with seasonal allergies when in actuality the cause is the mold within their home or office. If your eyes do not clear up when the weather changes, mold could possibly be a culprit. Headaches: Breathing in mold can cause headaches in some people. This is especially true of people who suffer with migraines. They are very sensitive to certain stimulants and mold can be one of them. If you get recurring headaches and can spot a trend (such as your headache lifts when you leave your home in the morning and returns when you get home), mold could be the cause. Feeling tired: When our bodies aren't feeling well or are fighting something off, fatigue is often a symptom. If you have been exposed to mold, fatigue may show up. While we all get tired from time to time, long term fatigue typically is pointing to something er. Feeling tired for several days in a row, even when you are getting adequate sleep can be a symptom of mold exposure. A sore : Strep or household mold exposure? Experiencing a raw feeling when ing, or hoarseness when speaking, are both indicative of mold exposure. Mold spores can become lodged in the and irritate the sensitive membranes leaving you with a raw and scratchy . If your sore doesn't clear up after a week or two, it may be time to head in for a checkup from your doctor. Shortness of breath: Breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory difficulties in some people. This is especially prevalent in those with allergies as well as in those with weakened immune systems. The very young and very old are also at greater risk for respiratory upset due to household mold exposure. They may even develop asthma or may have asthma and not realize that their asthma attacks are being triggered by the mold in their homes. Runny nose or sinuses: If you are constantly reaching for a tissue to catch your runny nose this can also be a strong symptom of mold exposure. This can be triggered either by an allergy to the mold spores or the membranes of the nose become irritated by the spores. In either case, you may again misdiagnose yourself as having a head cold or seasonal allergies, but if the runny nose persists, consider that the source may indeed be mold. Consider having a visit to your family physician or one who specializes in allergies. Bleeding nose: Although this symptom is rare, it does occur. Some people are more sensitive to certain allergens and those offending irritants cause severe reactions. One of these reactions can be damage to the membranes of the nose resulting in regular bleeding. If this is happening to you, it can be caused by mold within your home. Do You Suffer From Household Mold Exposure Symptoms? If you realize that you suffer from several or all of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is advisable that you inspect your home for mold. Household mold exposure is no joke. It can seriously affect your health. Because the symptoms will likely be worse when you are close the mold itself, it is also wise to track how your symptoms occur. This will help your doctor diagnose the problem.  [adinserter block=7] If you leave your home each day to go to work and notice that you feel better during the day, this can be a clear indicator that something in your home is causing your distress. Take note of when your symptoms start and stop each day. The same can be said if you travel and find yourself in better health after you've been gone a day or two. Your home shouldn't make you sick and finding and treating the mold problem will ensure that doesn't happen. Track your symptoms over the period of a week or two. If you notice a pattern, it may be time for a professional mold inspection. The sooner you find and remediate the mold, the less damage it will do to your house and your body. Remember that mold isn't always visible. Just because you don't notice any mold in your home doesn't mean that you don't have it growing somewhere. Also, don't make the mistake of uming because your home is new or in good shape that it doesn't have mold. If there is or has been a source of moisture, the conditions may have caused mold growth. Further Recommended Reading : 10 Health Risks of Toxic Mold Understanding the Danger of Toxic Mold Preventing and Treating Mold Naturally SaveSave SaveSave

Symptoms of Household Mold Exposure

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What are the Symptoms of Household Mold Exposure?

Mold is Dangerous: 7 Tips You Need To Know – Mold Blogger

Mold is a word no homeowner ever wants to hear. While we all know that mold is dangerous, many people have no idea what mold actually is or why it is dangerous. In this article, we highlight 7 methods you can use when it comes to identifying potential mold in your home. If any of these yield a potentially moldy situation, take action right away to identify, remove and remedy the situation. What is Mold? Mold is an extremely small, dangerous element that belongs to the family of fungi. It can thrive on almost any surface especially cellulose-based objects. Mold reproduces very quickly, and it can take hold in your home in no time. Once mold takes over, your health and your wallet can be impacted. The sooner you identify and remediate, the lesser the impact. Most people hear the word mold and cringe. They don't realize that molds are a very normal part of our world. Molds are present almost everywhere. Though they may be harmful at times, molds are a big part of the ecological balance in the environment, as they play a major role in breaking down organic substances. In fact, molds are the original recyclers. It is only when certain types of molds get into our homes that issues arise. Though there are thousands of different mold types, only certain kinds are dangerous for humans. Mold spores easily become airborne and once inhaled, they can have major impacts on our health. Health issues range from recurring allergies to severe reactions ending in death. [adinserter block=7] Molds require moisture to grow. There are many different types of moisture sources in our homes, and all of them can produce mold if they persist. From floods to roof leaks, moisture can come from almost anywhere. According to some recent studies, approximately 50 percent of homes have unknown moisture problems. And as we all know, molds thrive best in moist places. While we may notice moisture on our walls or in our bathrooms because we frequently visit these areas, mold can often hide in the areas of our homes we don't frequently visit such as basements, attics, and behind furniture. To a large extent, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold are present or whether they can produce toxins. Awareness and sanitation should be observed to prevent the spread of molds in your home. Below are 7 ways you can detect mold in your home. Here are 7 ways to detect if your home has dangerous molds: 1. Launch a search operation One of the quickest and easiest ways to detect mold is to simply look for it. Mold leaves lots of visible clues behind. Check whether there are visible signs of mold growth in your home. Molds are characterized by their cotton-like features that may appear in colors such as gray, white, black, or green. Black mold can be especially dangerous, so be sure to watch for any signs of this type of growth. Check for any yellowing or furry looking growth on fabrics, sheetrock, or anything else that's potentially been exposed to moisture. Mold that is present behind paint will produce bubbles or other deformities in the paint. 2. Use your sense of smell Remember that smell you got the time you forgot to unpack wet gym clothes from your bag or locker? Mold typically leaves behind a very distinctive scent that can be identified by most people. Whenever you smell any moldy odors, begin your search immediately. But you also have to remember that even if your home has no moldy smell it doesn't mean that you're free from its threat. Be sharp-eyed because some fragrance-free molds are still toxic. 3. Is basement flooding one of your indoor problems? Has your basement flooded in the past? If yes, then there is a large probability that your house is filled with some dangerous molds. Look around your basement for indications of extra mustiness or water damage. Even if the water was removed promptly, the walls and other basement fixtures probably retained a lot of moisture which then, in turn, breed mold. Mold can grow into the drywall so don't ume that visible mold is only on the surface. If you have experienced any type of basement or house flooding, check if there are water discolorations on walls and ceilings. Remember excess amount of moisture is the major culprit for mold exposure. [adinserter block=7] 4. Windows mist over during winter Winter season is characterized by rain and cold, and generally when it's cold and rainy, there is an excess in moisture in the environment. This excess amount of humidity in the environment can cause fungal growth which culminates the most in damp areas. Even small amounts of condensation can invite excessive mold growth. If your windows are foggy during winter, it is best to find out where the extra moisture is coming from, and check the area for any mold contamination. Be sure to fix the moisture source. Otherwise, your mold remediation efforts will be short lived. 5. Use home mold test kits If you aren't comfortable with your visual and smell tests, mold home test kits are a great option for an inexpensive second opinion. Mold testing is used to find out any dangerous threats of molds in your home. These do-it-yourself test kits are designed to track down the presence of harmful molds that can trigger serious health problems. Most of these testing devices are user-friendly and can provide reliable results. However, don't skip a visual inspection of your home because no test is 100% accurate. There are also mold inspection professionals that you can hire to perform full home mold inspections. These companies are trained and licensed in mold inspection. While it may cost more than a home test kit, you can rest ured that your results are accurate. If mold is detected in your home, the company can also provide guidance on the next steps you need to take to remove and remediate. 6. Molds that are hidden Most experts agree that the most perilous mold is the one that is unseen, such as in air conditioning units, duct-work, or within walls. These molds can swell up rapidly while undetected. In most cases, hidden molds can be discerned not by eye but by the stale odor or the frequent need to clear your . Proper care and maintenance will typically prevent these. Be sure to schedule routine inspections and maintenance of your entire home - taking care to include all areas that may not ever be seen otherwise. Mold is tricky. 7. Ask a Certified Mold Inspector In instances where you cannot detect if there are molds inside your house, you can ask the istance of licensed mold inspectors. They have the proper know-how in pinpointing the exact location of undetected mold problems. These mold inspection professionals that you can hire to perform full home mold inspections are trained and licensed in mold inspection. While it may cost more than a home test kit, you can rest ured that your results are accurate. If mold is detected in your home, the company can also provide guidance on the next steps you need to take to remove and remediate. All in all, the key to total prevention of the threats caused by mold problems is awareness of the problem. Be vigilant with your surroundings for any sign of mold growth. Early prevention is the best solution to all the hazards set off by this microorganism. [adinserter block=7] Further Recommended Reading : Are Do It Yourself Mold Kits Better than Professionals? How to Choose a Mold Inspector SaveSave

Mold is Dangerous: 7 Tips You Need To Know

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Here are 7 ways to detect if your home has dangerous molds:

Black Mold: The Definitive Guide – Mold Blogger

Black Mold Is Scary! Hearing about mold can be scary, especially if it's in your home or business and it's making you and other people sick. It can poison your family, your co-workers, your friends, and even your pets. Most people think green when they think of mold, but black mold, or Stachybotrys, is actually a very common problem in damp or water-damaged areas (Stop mold after water damage) and it can be very dangerous. (7 ways to know if a mold is dangerous). [adinserter block=7] What You Don't Know Can Hurt You The spores of black mold float in the air, and they're too small to see. If you breathe them in and they start to make you sick, you should never ume that they will go away on their own. The mold will spread, and the problem will only become worse. Knowing what black mold is and what kinds of problems the spores will cause in the human body are both very important, so that the symptoms can be recognized and addressed in a home or a business. Understanding The Symptoms Symptoms of black mold include watering and irritated eyes, sneezing, runny nose, chronic fatigue, chronic coughing, and headaches. It can also produce nausea and vomiting, and extreme cases of exposure can cause bleeding in the nose and lungs. Most people are treated for the problem before it becomes too serious, but some people are more sensitive to black mold than others. I've got the symptoms! What do I do now? If you or your loved ones or coworkers are experiencing any of these symptoms on a consistent basis, you may be exposed to black mold without realizing it. If that's the case, you should find the problem and have it taken care of quickly, before symptoms become any worse. A professional mold remediator (learn how to choose the right one) should be the one to treat the mold, and people with symptoms should be seen by their doctor, just to rule out any serious concerns. Get It Cleaned While You're Gone Once a person with symptoms gets away from the black mold spores, the symptoms should clear up in a short amount of time. While that person is away, a professional mold remediation company can come in and address the black mold problem. The mold is often seen from water damage, but it can also appear anywhere that stays wet a lot, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, or somewhere that has a leaky pipe. Under a sink is a common place for black mold (learn about where mold grows), or along the baseboard where a washing machine sits. It can also be found in the corners of bathrooms where the dampness from the shower lingers too long. Businesses can get black mold in the bathrooms (showers and toilets especially), around the water cooler, or in the employee kitchen. [adinserter block=7] Beware of Water Damage If water damage has occurred on the property – if it's been flooded, for example – black mold could be anywhere. A professional mold remediator may have to remove the drywall, treat the wooden beams in the walls, and replace the drywall with new materials in order to ensure that the mold problem is stopped. While that can be expensive, it is well worth the trouble to have it done, especially when the health and safety of a family or a business may be at stake.

Black Mold: The Definitive Guide

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