Signs You Need to Hire a Mold Removal Specialist

Mold is a nasty problem. It can cause health challenges for those in your home or office. Sometimes these can be very serious problems, depending on different health factors for the person. It can vary from skin or eye irritation to a stuffy nose to breathing problems. 

On top of these health concerns, mold can cause significant damage to your property. And it can spread undetected for weeks and even months. The only way to take care of it is to hire a professional. With all the problems that mold can bring, you’ll want to stay alert to the signs that you’ll need to hire a mold removal specialist. Here are some of the things to look out for:

Musty Smell

A musty or mildew smell is a giveaway that there is extra moisture in your space. That moisture is a breeding ground for mold, so you’ll want to have it inspected. Try and find out where the odor is coming from or where you notice it the most. Also, be aware that if the smell is stronger when your air conditioner or furnace is running, the problem could be inside your HVAC. 

Water Leak

It’s not always easy to know you have a water leak, as it can drip for a long time behind the walls before you notice a problem. But pipes that leak can cause the moisture needed for mold to develop. However, if you suspect a leak contact your plumber. If you’re sure there has been a leak, it’s best to check all around the area to be sure that no mold is growing. 

Ventilation Issues

Are there rooms in your home that do not have sufficient ventilation? In these spaces, moisture will not be able to dissipate fast enough. This creates an environment where mold can grow. Some examples are bathrooms with no fan or window, basements, and even kitchen spaces where moisture develops quickly. 

Discolouration

Many homeowners may think that seeing mold is an obvious sign, but it is not always easy to determine if it is mold behind your walls. Mold does not always appear as large black discolouration on your ceilings or walls. To some, the spores may be small enough to look like dirt. Growth can also be grey, white, brown, red and may appear fuzzy or slimy. If you have wallpaper, the colour of the mold growth could be hard to spot. If you think you see mold spores, it’s best to contact a mold removal specialist. 

Plumbing Problems

Water or plumbing problems in your home or office can be potential mold-growing factors too. If you’ve recently had a pipe burst, flooding, or any water on surfaces, it’s a good idea to check and see if there are any signs of mold developing. Don’t be shy to call a mold removal specialist if you’re not sure. 

High Humidity Levels

If your home or office is prone to higher humidity levels, it poses a greater risk of mold developing in the space. Consider adjusting the climate in your area with dehumidifiers, air conditioning, etc. 

Health issues

Mold can cause allergy-like symptoms: running nose, sneezing, watery eyes, etc. When someone in your space develops these issues, you should ask yourself if they are being exposed to mold. Different types of mold can cause more serious reactions in people, so if you’re not sure of the cause of the problems, consider having a mold removal specialist investigate. 

Hiring a mold removal specialist

Some people think that if they clean the mold spores themselves they’ve eliminated the problem. But that’s not always the case. Mold is resilient and can spread to areas of your home or office that are difficult to reach. There are many benefits to hiring a mold removal specialist, such as:

  • They have the tools and techniques to detect and clean away mold no matter where it hides.
  • Mold spores can easily disperse and settle in other areas of your home or office, causing you further headaches. But a professional knows how to effectively eliminate the mold from all areas in your space. 
  • They have the knowledge and experience to tackle the problem.
  • Professionals can save you time and money by getting the job done right, preventing you from having to spend lots of money on chemicals to try and get rid of the problem on your own.
  • When it is done right, you can prevent future infestation. 

If you’ve had any of these signs or past problems with mold, contact Firestone Restoration and have your mold removed for good.