How to Check Your Home for Mold Wet, moist areas provide the perfect breeding ground for mold, of which many types are toxic to humans. Some species of mold may only cause allergy-like symptoms, while others could be life-threatening. Not to mention, mold problems can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home if left unchecked. To prevent these negative effects, perform a mold check annually. Here’s how.
Put on a dust mask and rubber gloves to prevent contact or inhalation. Grab a flashlight and walk room to room, checking each one thoroughly. What are you looking for exactly? Mold is most often black, white or yellow with a leathery or cottony texture. It also has a distinct odor, similar to that of a dirty, wet sock. Since mold loves moisture, the bathrooms are a good place to start. Inspect tubs, shower stalls and shower pans for signs of mold. Water can seep behind the tiling in showers, causing mold to grow on or around the grout. Sinks are also common culprits. Check them carefully, focusing on the water pipes and valves underneath. Don’t forget to check the kitchen sink too.
In other rooms, inspect the walls and ceiling for signs of mold. Remember, mold can grow out of sight inside of walls, but you are often able to smell it. Though it might sound weird, smell the walls of your house and call a professional if you smell anything suspicious.
Go up to your attic and check it out as well, specifically around the edges of the space. Mold can crop up if insulation is blocking the airflow in the attic, usually on the underside of the roof deck. This is a great time to whip out that flashlight for a better peek. How do you get rid of mold? If you find a small contaminated area, you can spray on bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or a mixture of tea tree oil and water to treat the area and kill the mold. If that doesn’t work and/or if the problem area is large, it’s best to call a professional to handle the problem.
Learn about more ways to protect your home and loved ones. Call Affordable Insurance Group for more information on home insurance.