WiseEyes Home and Property Inspections Inc.

Possible Signs You Have a Mold Problem

• Elevated Humidity - If it seems muggy or humid in your indoor spaces then you should be concerned about mold growth. Of course the outdoor humidity affects indoor humidity levels. Relative Humidity levels going and staying above 55% to 60% are an ideal world for mold
• Water/Pipe Leaks - Mold problems often get started from some kind of water intrusion, especially those that are not uncorrected over time. Relatively moor pipe leaks if undetected over time can provide an excellent misture enviroment for serious mold growth.
• Flooding - A very common issue after flooding is mold for obvious reasons (plenty of moisture promotes mold growth). Add in the time (days or weeks) needed to fully dry out the home or building once it gets soaked gives mold colonies plenty of time to become fully ingrained in these sections.
• Mildewy/Musty Odors - Your nose can be the first or only indication of a potential mold problem, since mold often grows in places we can't normally see. This doesn't always mean that you have a mold problem, but it should be the warning for you to look for the other signs, or to look for the mold growth itself
• Increased Unexplained Allergy/Respiratory Symptoms - If you feel better away from home and have allergic reactions (even mild ones) when you are home it is possible you are reacting to something in that environment and that something could be high levels of mold. Particularly if these symptoms are accompanied by other signs from this list.
• Indications of Toxic Poisoning - Mold and other fungi can produce VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) as they digest materials to obtain nutrition. The VOCs create the typical “moldy/musty” odor commonly linked to fungal contamination indoors. Elevated levels of VOCs can irritate the mucous membranes and the central nervous system with symptoms of headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration, and dizziness.
• Leaky Roofs - are often hard to find until significant damage is done. If you think you might have a leaky roof then check the attic for signs of water damage or mold growth. Be observant for indications of water damage or mold growth in ceilings, especially on the uppermost level of the home.
• Damp Basements or Crawl Spaces - Less ventilation plus cooler temperatures often make these spaces damp and a prime mold environment. The cooler temperatures do their job by condensing water from the surrounding air.
• Condensation - On or around pipes, windows, or walls means either a leak or humid air in contact with cold surfaces. Very common around windows in the winter when high humidity inside air condenses and water runs down onto the window sill. If allowed to penetrate the watt then mold can get well started.
• Rusting Metal - If metal rusts it is because it reacts with moisture, either liquid water from a leak or from condensation. One very good reason to insulate pipes property is to keep the inside warmer (moister) air away from colder pipes.
• Many House Plants - If you have ever waled into a green house you know that plants put moisture in the air. If you enjoy plants indoors be aware that house plants require consistent watering, which increases moisture levels inside.
• Discoloration of Walls (Water Stains) - Yellowish stains on walls and ceilings are a sign of excessive moisture. In more obvious cases, where mold growth may already be in full swing, the wall or ceiling may have a greenish, brownish, or blackish discoloration to it.
• Cracked, Peeling Paint - This usually means that there is moisture build up behind the paint. By the time the paint shows these signs, the moisture has often had an opportunity to spawn the growth of mold within the wall.
• Blocked Gutters or Damaged Gutters that are blocked can cause water to seep into walls, through the roof, and can cause water to collect at the base of the foundation, which will result in further water damage in the home or building.
• Warped Wood - Water loves wood but wood DOES NOT love water as it is likely to bend it all out of shape. If there's enough water to make the wood warp there is enough to encourage mold growth.
• Black Growth in Bathroom Tiles - Bathrooms are a favorite breeding ground of mold. The increased moisture and common presence of tile in bathrooms are each highly conducive to the proliferation of mold colonies. Tile grout is porous and will allow water penetration, and behind the tiles themselves. In addition, dirt and other grime (favorite foods of mold) are easily trapped in the grout. This combination creates an ideal environment for mold to thrive.
• Loosening of Drywall Tape - This is a sure sign that moisture has infiltrated the wall.
• Visible Biological/Mold Growth - This may seem like an obvious sign, but many people do not take a little visible mold growth very seriously. However, this can be an indication of a much larger mold growth in less visible places. Mold can take on a variety of appearances, such as black, grey-brown, grey-green, white & orange spots, or even pink or purple splotches if growing behind vinyl wallpaper. Stachybotrys is commonly a dark, slimy, greenish-black mold.
• Clothes Dryers/Other Appliances Not Vented Outdoors - These appliances release a lot of water vapor. If you want to know how much then put your laundry on the scales before and after you dry it. At about 8 pounds to the gallon that's a lot of moisture and mold just loves moisture.
• Poor Ventilation - If the air pressure in your home is "negative", meaning the air pressure outside is greater than it is inside, then it will force moisture and contaminates back into the home. If the air pressure is well into the "positive" side, then it can cause moisture to be forced into walls. The air pressure in your home should be slightly positive, or at least balanced.
• Presence of Wet Materials Indoors - This can include rags, steam from cooking, indoor clothes lines, carpet, or furniture. If these or other items are damp for extended periods of time, then the moisture level can be high enough to accommodate mold growth.

Feel free to give me a call to discuss your situation. There is no charge for phone consultation and no sales pitch. I'll be glad to discuss your situation and answer your questions about mold and indoor air quality. If you need inspection and/or testing we can discuss all your options so you can make an informed choice without the hype.