Do I Have A Mold Problem?
Houston Enviro Assessments -Life Thrives Here
How Do I Tell If I Have A Mold Problem?
The first step is to investigate. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
The second step would be to get an Air Quality inspection. An Air Quality inspection can best determine the types and prevalence of mold spores in the house.
* Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings. When mold is visible, testing is not recommended.
* Search areas with noticeable mold odors.
* Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage. Look for water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation problems. For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork or other building materials?
* Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets), furniture, or stored items (especially things placed near outside walls or on cold floors). Sometimes destructive techniques may be needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden; for example, opening up a wall cavity.
When should I test for mold?
We do not recommend testing for mold yourself. Instead, it should be assumed that there is an issue whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should always be conducted by a licensed Mold Assessment Technician (MAT) to ensure accurate and reliable results as sometimes mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a professional MAT can determine the extent of contamination and where remediation is needed.