Discovering that you have mold inside your home can be a stressful experience which can leave many homeowners feeling overwhelmed, feeling uneasy, and even disgusted. But what most people don’t realize is that it is incredibly easy for mold to start to grow inside your home without your knowledge.
What Are the Warning Signs of Mold?
It goes without saying that being aware of the signs of mold is critical to maintaining your health as well as the value of your home, but if you’re unsure about how to identify the signs, here are some basic things to watch out for:
Strange Odors
Mold has a distinct, earthy odor, and when it is growing in particular areas of your home, you may notice an unpleasant smell when you are nearby. It’s important to remember that mold can grow underneath wallpaper, behind walls, and underneath the carpet, so the mold may not be immediately visible.
Health Symptoms
If you find yourself feeling listless, consistently congested, or that your eyes keep watering when you are in a particular part of your home, the culprit may be hidden mold. Most people write these symptoms off as stress or regular illness, but if you feel this way and then find yourself feeling “better” while out of the home, then mold may be the culprit.
You See Mold
Mold growing in your bathtub or shower stall is easy to distinguish from regular soap scum and buildup. However, in other areas like your basement and cellar, which can be prone to dampness and moisture, it can be harder to locate. Make time to dig around, move furniture, and peel back carpet and rugs to see if you can spot mold underneath.
So You Have Mold. Now What?
Don’t panic! In most cases, mold isn’t the end of the world, but it will require a little effort on your part to make sure that it doesn’t come back once it is removed.
- Have the Mold Tested - Spend the money and have the mold tested by a certified mold tester. Many people simply clean up the mold without taking care to find out what kind it is, but not equipping yourself with this knowledge can make a difference with insurance claims, and if you are experiencing health issues relating to your mold issue.
- Identify and Treat the Source of the Mold - Cleaning up the mold is, of course important, but during the removal process if you don’t take the time to identify and resolve the reason you had mold in the first place, you’ll soon find yourself in the same position. For example, if a leaky pipe caused the mold, make sure to have the section of pipe repaired.
- See If It’s Covered - If your mold problem is large enough, you may want to find out if mold removal is included in your insurance policy. Depending on the causes and the type of mold, as well as your insurance, there may be a chance that you can file a claim to pay for professional removal services.
Utilize Professional Help
Discovering mold in your home can be a stressful experience, but by keeping a vigilant eye out for warning signs, and taking immediate and appropriate action, you can maintain the value of your home and keep your indoor air safe to breathe. Instead of attempting to rectify the problem on your own, it’s imperative to use licensed professionals to manage the problem!
If you have a mold problem in your home and you live in Central New Jersey, Southern New Jersey or Eastern Pennsylvania, connect with Cornerstone Appraisal & Restoration Services. We are a highly regarded insurance restoration and home reconstruction resource for homeowners and insurance providers.
