According to the World Health Organization, about 30 percent of homes around the world are affected by mold. However, many people don’t know how to spot the signs that they may have a mold problem.
Are you looking for free mold inspection and testing and how you can learn more about mold problems? Keep reading to learn when you need a home mold inspection.
What Causes Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in places that are warm and moist. Because they emit spores, it is easy for them to spread and grow in other places.
Because mold thrives in wet areas, there are many common causes of mold. For example, if you have had any water damage or flooding, the water may have lead to mold growth.
When to Inspect for Mold
There are many reasons that you may need to inspect for mold. In fact, many of these aren’t visible signs. Here are a few of the reasons you should get a home mold inspection.
- Water Damage
First and foremost, you should get mold inspection and testing if you have had any water damage in your home. Water damage of any kind can lead to issues with mold growth and can cause more damage to your home.
There are many causes of water damage. For example, some are weather-related. If you have had flooding due to severe weather, clogged gutters, and leaking pipes, it is vital that you get it taken care of before it can turn into mold.
Other things that can cause water damage are blocked drains, condensation from your air conditioner, and more.
- New Home
Something that is important to do when you buy a new home is getting a mold inspection. Before you purchase the home, you want to make sure there are no extreme issues that will be costly to fix, dangerous for your health, or could cause severe damage to your home.
If you are buying a used home, this is a bigger issue. In fact, older homes are more likely to have issues with mold. This is also true for homes that have been vacant for a long time. Because no one was living in the home to prevent flooding and other things that can cause mold, it is vital that you get a mold inspection.
It is also important to get a mold inspection even if you are buying a brand new home. This is because the construction materials may have gotten wet during the building process. If it doesn’t dry properly, it can create mold issues in your brand new home.
- Developed Allergies
While many people don’t know this, frequent mold exposure in your home may lead to bad allergies, headaches, or irritations. Because mold spores are so tiny, your body can easily inhale them. If you have an overly sensitive immune system, it can create severe symptoms.
One way you can determine if you have allergies from mold exposure is if you experience allergy symptoms when you enter a specific room in your home. If you have experienced this issue, it is important that you get a mold inspection to determine the cause of these allergies.
If you want to learn more about the symptoms of mold exposure, you can check out HCI Environment to learn about mold exposure and abatement.
- Musty Odor
Even if you can’t see mold growing in your home, there are other ways you can spot mold growing. For example, many people say that mold growth in their homes smells musty.
While mold doesn’t always smell bad, if it has an odor it smells like earth, rotten wood, or even wet socks!
- Bad Air Quality
Finally, it is a good idea to test your home for mold if you feel like you have bad air quality. While mold isn’t typically dangerous in lower levels, it can be dangerous for your air quality in higher levels. It is especially dangerous for those who have asthma and other issues with their lungs.
If you are worried about your air quality or want to make sure you are breathing in clean air, it is a good idea to get a mold inspection!
What Is a Mold Inspection?
A mold inspection is something that is done by a qualified inspector. To be considered a mold inspector, you need to have formal training. In a mold inspection, your inspector will look for signs of past or current mold.
If there is a water problem in your home, such as a reoccurring leak, it means that mold can continually regrow in your home. This is why it is important to look for signs of past mold growth.
In your mold inspection, your inspector will look for sources of moisture. If they find a leak, they can fix the issue and prevent it from occurring again.
Mold Inspection Cost
If you need to pay for a mold inspection, the cost may vary between companies. However, you can generally expect to pay a few hundred dollars to get your home properly inspected!
The size of your home also determines how much your mold inspection will cost. The bigger your home is, the more expensive the inspection will be.
If you want an exact price for your mold inspection cost, many companies offer a free quote!
Find a Free Mold Inspection Near Me
If you are worried about mold growth in your home, you can find a professional company to give you a mold inspection. Many mold remediation companies will provide this service for free, giving you peace of mind!
If this article was helpful for you, check out the other blogs on our site to learn more about home improvements, home inspections, and more!
