How To Identify Mold And Mildew
Mold and mildew can be tricky to find, and oftentimes we see it but don’t realize that it’s even there. Sadly, mold can start to grow after only a few days of water damage, so if you’ve ever found moisture or pools of water in your basement, then you should also be on the lookout for mold. Here are some tips on what to look for.
Mold Can Come In All Colors
Mold isn’t just the green type of mold we picture on old foods we’ve let sit in the refrigerator for too long. Actually, mold can be black, gray, green, pink, or even white! That’s right, it could be any color and could easily blend in with the walls or floors of your basement.
Mold Growth
Obviously, if you can see the mold for sure with your own two eyes, then you’ve got visible identification. But sometimes mold can grow in unusual ways and you might not really realize what it is you’re looking at. Mold can form in clusters, spots, or strange patterns and it might also pop up in places you can’t even see. Remember that mold can form quickly after water damage, so it might be worthwhile to hire a professional to take a look and assess the situation. They’ll know to look for:
- Lesser-known visible signs of mold
- Musty odors associated with mold and mildew
- General humid conditions in which mold can thrive
- Signs of long-term dampness which can lead to mold
- Stained areas including the floors and walls
- Warped walls or peeled and bubbling wallpaper
Consider Your Own Health
Mold can cause a slew of health problems, and the top one being respiratory issues. If you or a family member have recently experienced asthma flare-ups, coughing, wheezing, or an itchy throat, mold could be the culprit. In this case, it might just be best to hire a professional to come in and assess the situation. This way you can source the problem if it’s in your home or figure out what other things may be causing these health issues.
When people hear about the sever problems mold and mildew can bring, they often wonder what the best way to prevent it is. That’s easy: waterproofing! The best way to deal with mold and mildew is to never have to actually deal with it and to prevent it from the start. If you need to make repairs due to mold damage, do so quickly, and then investigate waterproofing options with AA Action Waterproofing so that you never have to deal with that nightmare again.