Mold Detection Tips When detecting mold in your home you should not focus on identifying the presence of the tiny trace numbers of mold spores because they are everywhere. You should focus on identifying the areas where the mold has started to grow and form colonies. You can detect these colonies by the colors of the mold and the telltale musty smell. Detection can also be done by looking carefully for any water damage because this type of damage will allow the colonies of mold to grow.
The simplest way to mold detection is to rely on the discoloration caused as mold grows and the distinctive musty smell. If you notice a musty, earthy, or moist smell in a room you should search for any signs of mold. As mentioned there are different colors of mold colonies like red, black, blue, gray, and white. If you see any discolored patches that have that distinct smell you should consider it to be mold. This smell may not be localized to the actual area of mold infestation if it is growing in your ventilation system, in the walls, or in the attic. Every home has mold spores but it is not normal to have actively growing mold colonies. The reason is that mold requires a lot of moisture and an organic food supply like paper or wood in order to grow and thrive. If your home is well maintained there will not be enough excess water for mold to thrive and grow but if you have water damage check there for a mold infestation. When checking your home for mold look in the areas of your home that are prone to moisture. One such place is your bathroom because if the bathroom does not have adequate ventilation it can have mold growing. The areas below your sinks and around your dishwashers are also prone to having mold growing. If you have areas where you have a roof that has slowly leaked into this can lead to the growth of a mold colony like in the attic. If the roof is in poor condition or is an older roof you should check the attic even if there have been no leaks. Exposed pipes in your basement can produce condensation and harbor mold. Another breeding ground for mold in your basement would be the walls if they seep or leak. If you have had flooding in your basement check the carpets for signs of mold. If you have a lot of flood damage to your home you should have a professional check for mold. Periodically you should check
your home for any colonies of growing mold so it does not spread and get out of hand and be hard to get rid of. Author Bio: America's Restoration Services is the leading company for water damage restoration, carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning any mold removal in Marietta, GA. America's Restoration Services has over 20 years of experience when it comes to cleaning your duct system. We are licensed, insured, NADCA certified.