9 Signs of Hidden Mold Every Apartment Owner Should Look Out For

Any home can look new with just a fresh coat of paint. However, there could be hidden issues and problems lurking in the background. One such issue is the presence of mold. Any place that has water running or pooling for some time can be home to mold, spreading and growing deep inside the wood, walls, ceilings, and floors. As long as there are damp, humid places there will be mold in any home or apartment.

Mold infestation is more than just a nuisance. It can cause respiratory issues and might even lead to serious health problems caused by long exposure. A timely inspection and assessment can help you understand the nature and effects of the mold in your home. Early detection and prevention can help to protect the health of your family as well as your home. Whether you are buying a new apartment or suspect mold in your current one, get professionals to inspect your home for mold right away.

Signs of Hidden Mold

Hidden mold could be a really serious issue for any home. If there are no obvious signs like growths on walls or musty smells, it can be difficult to discover mold. However, mold might be present in the home without being detected by the naked eye. However, it can still cause damage or health problems.  Read on to discover signs that will help you identify the presence of mold in your apartment.

1) Discoloration

Any discoloration in your home's walls or tiles can be a sign of mold. There are usually blue, green, black, or grey specks around grout lines, walls, and tiles. Some can even be red, pink, or brown. Any place with water that doesn’t dry properly is likely to have water stains and develop mold. Any change in color or texture should be inspected immediately to detect mold.

2) Peeling Paint

Most of the time, people treat mold as an aesthetic problem and paint over it to hide it. This actually aggravates the issue even more. Mold infestations often start on damp walls, which are signaled by peeling paint. You might first notice bubbling, warping, or wrinkling paint in the kitchen or bathroom. When the mold grows further, it starts to peel and lift the paint from the wall. This denotes a wide spread of mold and should be inspected and remediated immediately. 

3) Warping or Rotting Wood

When mold starts to spread, it often reaches other surfaces like tiles and wood. When mold starts to affect the wooden structures of the house, it threatens the structural integrity of your home.

4) Musty Odors

Even if you cannot see mold, chances are you will be able to smell it. Mold usually gives off a musty or earthy smell that confirms its presence in your home. If you detect a sour smell, you should start inspecting every nook and corner of your apartment for the presence of mold. It is important to get professionals involved when you start to smell foul odors in the bathroom or the kitchen.

5) Persistent Condensation

You might notice condensation in the form of water droplets on the walls, floors, ceilings, and appliances in your apartment. To prevent moisture from spreading, you may need to install a dehumidifier or improve ventilation to eliminate dampness and prevent mold from spreading.

6) Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues could also be a sign of mold. It is more likely to affect people with existing conditions like asthma and allergies. When you have been exposed to mold for some time, allergies could cause coughing, sneezing, and dizziness. As the exposure continues, the symptoms also include wheezing, breathing difficulties, and heightened symptoms of existing conditions. When you start to notice repeated respiratory issues, you should inspect your home for mold. If possible, get professional help immediately to protect the health of your family.

7) Fatigue or Headaches

If you or your family has been experiencing fatigue or headaches at home for no reason, mold could be the culprit. Long exposure to mold growth can cause such symptoms. It is a sign to get your home inspected for mold growth and take remedial action.

8) Skin Irritations

Another obvious sign of mold is skin rashes. Some people are allergic to black mold and their bodies react when there is exposure to black mold. In case of severe irritation, you should get it checked by a doctor. You should then inspect your home for mold infestations and get remediation services.

9) Unusual Growth of Mold

It is usual for mold to grow in places with water issues, like the bathroom and kitchen. However, when you find mold in unusual places like clothes, cupboards, leather shoes, and furniture, then the mold problem in your home is unusual. When there is no proper ventilation and air circulation, mold may also grow in stored items. This is a sign to get your home inspected for mold and humidity levels. Timely identification and remediation will help to safeguard your property from damage.

Tackle Mold Today

Homeowners tend to consider mold to be nothing more than a hassle. But it may be spreading throughout your home and causing health problems and structural issues. Identifying mold issues on time allows you to prevent various respiratory problems and protect your home’s structural integrity.  It is important to take immediate action if you suspect the presence of mold. You should get inspection and mold removal services from professionals to protect your home.