Telltale Signs of Mold Infestation

For homeowners, there are a few things worse than learning their house is infested with mold and mildew. Since these pesky spores feed on and break down damp organic matter, they can cause serious damage to the structure of your property. Therefore, it is important to watch for the telltale signs of mold infestation in drywalls, insulation, wallpapers, carpets, and other materials for immediate remediation. 

Furthermore, mold isn’t always black – it can also be white, green, spotted, or pretty much any other color. Depending on its type, it may appear velvety, powdery, or cottony. The good news is that most types of mold are harmless to humans. However, certain types of spores can pose serious health risks for you and your family. Some of the most severe symptoms include headaches, breathing difficulties, nosebleeds, and neurological damage. 

Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t realize they have a mold problem until it starts taking over the walls and ceilings, ruining the aesthetic appeal of their home as well as threatening the integrity of the structure.  

5 Telltale Signs of Mold in Your Home and Office

Here are the top warning signs of mold infestation that you must look out for. If the situation gets worse, please don’t hesitate to contact home restoration professionals in your area for timely mitigation. 

1. Musty Odor

Does your house smell mustier than usual regardless of how often you clean and ventilate it? If your basement was flooded or there was a leakage in your bathroom in the past couple of weeks, there is a good chance you may have a mold problem on your hands. If this smell is stronger in one corner of the house or a room and lighter in the other, you may want to put on a mask and gloves to check out the situation yourself.

It is also important to note that mold doesn’t always have a distinct smell, but when it does, it is usually described as musty or earthy. So, if you smell something unpleasant in your home and can’t locate the source, it is best to call a home restoration expert to find out exactly what you’re dealing with. 

2. Dark-Colored Spots 

Any dark-colored spots on walls, ceiling, curtains, or carpets that you can’t identify as stains could be mold. If these spots appear grey and fuzzy or green and slimy, please check to make sure there isn’t a leaking pipe hiding behind the wall. High humidity levels can also result in mold infestation in homes. 

Similarly, if the grout between your bathroom tiles looks dark and has a pungent odor, you may be looking at the mold. Although it is quite common in wet areas of the house, it is always good to get a professional involved to ensure you aren’t dealing with a toxic variety of mold. 

3. Peeling Wallpaper

While wallpapers are likely to fade and peel off in places as they get old, the unusual peeling and bubbling on the surface may indicate the presence of moisture in the wall. If the wallpaper is cracking in places and you can see innocuous fuzz peeking from behind, mold has likely started growing between the wall and the underside of the covering. 

You may also check if your wallpaper feels damp in certain spots, as it may indicate hidden water damage. 

4. Bloated Drywall

Warped and bloated drywall is yet another telltale sign of mold infestation in buildings. Burst pipes tend to be the biggest culprit behind the phenomenon. As the moisture seeps into the wood, it creates a perfect environment for mold to grow between the board and the wall. A bloated wall is a sign that you are facing a serious mold problem. If you don’t call a home restoration service soon, there is a good chance the mold will weaken the foundations of your home.

5. Worsening Allergies

Are you suddenly feeling itchy all over? Have your allergies been flaring up too often? Does your pre-existing breathing problem get worse when you are at home? If your answer to any (or all) of these questions is yes, there could be mold hiding in your surroundings. 

Some mold species can aggravate asthma symptoms or cause fits of sneezing and perpetually runny nose. So, if you are worried that your cold is not going away or your seasonal allergies are persisting for longer than they typically do, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor as well as a home restoration company. 

Call 911 Restoration of Connecticut Today!

If you live in Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, and surrounding areas, 911 Home Restoration of Connecticut can help you get rid of the mold in your home without any hassle. Our team of qualified experts will inspect the area, send test samples to a third-party lab, remove and replace infested materials, and dry and disinfect the area to ensure your property remains mold-free for a long time.

So, if you have noticed any telltale signs of mold in your home or office, make sure to contact us today. Please note that we also offer water damage restoration, sanitization service, sewage backup cleanup, fire damage restoration, and disaster restoration, among other services, to residential and commercial property owners in Connecticut.