Signs of Mold

Outdoors, mold plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter. But in your home environment mold can gradually destroy what it grows on. Mold can also contribute to significant health problems including:

• allergies and asthma
• pneumonia
• other respiratory infections

In order to grow and spread in any environment, mold requires three things:

• a food source
• the proper temperature in which to thrive
• a moisture source

While the first two factors cannot be eliminated, the third, moisture, can be easily controlled within a structure, thereby eliminating a key source for mold growth and escalation.

Where Mold Grows

Mold often grows undetected until significant damage is done. Hidden mold can exist in:

• walls (even behind wallpaper and drywall)
• attics
• crawl spaces
• basements
• ductwork
• absorbent or porous materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet

Condensation on windows, walls or pipes can be a sign of high humidity, which can lead to mold growth. Mold can sometimes be detected by odor - a damp or musty smell, and sometimes by visual cues such as discoloration and obvious growth.

If signs of mold are detected, immediate action can help inhibit further growth and additional damage.