Have you ever pulled out a loaf of bread to make yourself your favorite sandwich, only to find that the slice you pull out has been infected by little bluish or white blobs? You may recognize those blobs as mold and can toss out the loaf before it poses any real harm. However, did you know that your bread bag isn’t the only place mold can grow in your home? In fact, there are several places in your home that are susceptible to mold growth that you may not even know about. Below, gain a better understanding of what mold is, how it can harm you and your household, and the top five places it may be hiding in your home.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungal growth that can appear as a result of water damage or excessive moisture in your home. Sometimes it is visible and can appear many colors such as blue, green, black, or white, but often it is not even visible to the naked eye at all, and can also be hidden within the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home. Oftentimes, mold produces a strong, musty odor that can lead you to where it is growing.
Why Is Mold Harmful?
Not only is mold gross to look at and smell, but it can also pose a threat to your home and the people in it. Serious health issues may arise from mold, especially airborne mold, and can wreak havoc on the respiratory systems of those in your home. It becomes especially dangerous for those with weak immune systems or allergies, and can even land you or someone in your household in the hospital if not properly detected, professionally tested, and taken care of. In addition, mold can structurally compromise your home and damage furniture, wood, carpet, insulation, and much more.
The Top Five Places Mold Is Hiding In Your Home
1. THE ATTIC
The attic is a prime location for mold growth. Sometimes, big storms can cause water damage to your roof that you
might not even notice if you don’t check often. In as little as 48 hours after the initial damage, mold growth could have
already occurred.
2. THE BASEMENT
Nearly every basement has a certain “basement smell,” but have you ever wondered why? This is because many
basements are the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow. And, because heat rises, if there is mold in your
basement, the spores are most likely to spread throughout the rest of your home with the rising heat.
3. THE BATHROOM
Sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets are all serious water sources that are susceptible to leaks in your bathroom. And
where there are water leaks, there is water damage. Where there is water damage, there is most likely mold. In
addition, if you notice your bathroom is always humid and foggy when you emerge from the shower, it is probably that
mold could be thriving in your bathroom off all that excessive moisture.
4. IN THE WINDOW SILLS
If your window sill is often covered in condensation, smells funky, or seems to have a strange discoloration, mold
might be growing there.
5. INSIDE CEILINGS AND WALLS
The most difficult to detect and yet the most dangerous molds can often be found inside your ceilings and walls.
You probably won’t see it as it is hidden behind sheetrock, but if there is a leak in your pipes or if your home has ever
been affected by moisture or water damage, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have your home professionally mold tested.
How To Check If Your Home Is Safe
Luckily, there is hope for your home, even if there is mold detected. The best way to find out if your home is in
danger of serious mold growth is to contact a local restoration service that offers professional mold testing. If you live
in the Bella Vista area, you can call Courtesy Care at (877) 690-7978 for all your restoration needs.
Please contact us by filling out the form below or give us a call at (877) 382-3900.
