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How to Identify the Early Signs of Mold in Your Waterloo Home
September 20, 2024

Mold growth isn't always visible, but there are signs to look for.

Knowing early signs of mold in your home can help you catch a mold problem and resolve it before it causes significant damage to your home and your health. Catching mold problems early on is the best way to protect the indoor air quality in your home and prevent the need for extensive remediation efforts.


Early Signs of Mold

Some of the early signs of mold in your home that you should be on the look-out for include:


Musty Odors

A persistent, musty, earthy smell is often one of the earliest signs that there is a mold problem in your home. Mold odors are especially common in basements, bathrooms, near plumbing fixtures, or in other damp areas of your home where mold loves to grow.


Visible Spots

Mold can present itself as black, green, white, or even orange spots on surfaces in your home. Look for small spots on walls, ceilings, or furniture, especially in humid areas. For help treating any mold you find, you should call a mold removal specialist. 


Discoloration on Walls or Ceilings

Water stains or discoloration may be early signs of a water leak which can be the source of a mold problem. Even if mold is not immediately visible near the water stains, any areas of discoloration should be evaluated for mold by a mold removal company.


Peeling or Bubbling Paint

When moisture gets trapped behind walls, it can start to cause the paint to peel, crack, or form bubbles underneath it. If this much moisture is present, odds are that there is mold present as well. Your local restoration experts can check for mold.


Water Damage

Any areas of your home that have had water leaks, floods, or plumbing issues resulting in water damage are prime locations for mold growth. Identifying water damage quickly and getting the area dried and mold removed by mold removal professionals can prevent more extensive damage.


Increased Indoor Humidity

If the humidity in your home is above 60%, the chance of your property developing a mold problem is much higher. Mold thrives in humid environments, so if you notice excessive condensation on windows, walls, or ceilings, it can be a warning sign that mold is growing and spreading in your home. 


Allergy Symptoms

If you or any other members of your household begin to experience unexplained allergy-like symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or other respiratory issues, it could be due to mold spores in the air. Mold allergies are very common. Many people do not realize they are allergic to mold until they are exposed. Since mold can be a serious health threat, you should call a mold removal specialist as soon as you notice these symptoms. 


Warping or Soft Spots in Floors

Mold can weaken materials like wood, drywall, and insulation, and weakened materials can cause warping, soft spots, or a sponge-like texture in floors. This sign should not be ignored because it could lead to irreversible mold damage to the subfloor. Repairs can be extensive and expensive.


Mold Removal in Waterloo

Regularly checking your home for these signs can help you catch mold problems early on and prevent them from becoming severe issues in your Waterloo home. If you have a mold problem or can identify any of the above signs in your home, call the mold removal specialists at True North Restoration of Cedar Valley right away.


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