Mold is inevitable. Maybe you’ve forgotten to clean out your refrigerator in a while and you pull out a package of your favorite cheese only to find the fuzzy green stuff staring you right in the face. Or maybe it is that area in your basement that is often damp and has grown a little bit of mold. The good news is that it’s easy to toss the bag of cheese in the trash or focus on removing the small amount of visible mold in the basement.  But what about hidden mold?
Hidden mold is a real problem for any homeowner. Being able to identify those places in your home where mold may be hidden will save you in many ways, including your time, resources, and health. Basement closets, inside walls, behind paneling, under floorboards, or carpet padding are some of the places to begin looking.
Here are some signs that mold may be hiding in your home
  1. Musty or mildew like odors: This is one of the common signs. We’ve all smelled those musty old houses or recognized this particular smell. Some are very sensitive to the smell alone.
  2. Chronic respiratory issues or increasing allergies: Is a family member constantly dealing with allergies? Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or ongoing headaches? If it seems out of season and long lasting, this could be a sign that mold is hidden in your dwelling.
  3. Condensation on your windows: Of course, this could be caused from air conditioning on a scorching hot day, but if it’s ongoing and never really seems to clear, this could be a sign. This points to a lot of trapped moisture in your home, which is a feeding ground for mold.
  4. Discolored or peeling paint: If paint is discolored or is peeling off of the wall, this could be a sign of hidden mold behind the walls. Mold needs moisture to grow and if there is a leak behind the wall, it has found the perfect place to hide.
  5. Damp or moist areas in your home: This could be anything. Carpet padding, walls, leaky pipes and surrounding areas, inside ductwork, etc.
If you suspect you have a hidden mold problem, please reach out to a company that can help you with this. Pulling paneling or removing carpet padding could create a further problem for you as spores travel quickly onto surrounding surfaces, or into the air.
Zoë Restoration can help you with suspected hidden mold.  Because of its toxic traits, it is important to take immediate action to ensure safety for your family. Our team of specialists will help you navigate this obstacle.  We can be reached at 1-800-ZOE-TEAM. Please let us know how we can serve you.