Blog Post
Mold inspection - When is it necessary?
Do you really need to go through the process of mold inspection in your Orlando home? In certain circumstances, yes! That’s because you and your family could be dealing with a mold problem that is hidden from sight. And just because you can’t see a mold colony doesn’t mean that the effects on your health and the health of your home will go unnoticed.
Here at One Stop Restoration, we want to share a few specific instances when we would recommend a mold inspection—and a few examples of when we wouldn’t!
You smell dampness
As mold grows, it releases what’s called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) which carry with them that musty odor we all recognize. People often describe the smell as earthy, damp, wet dog-like, or even sweet.
Interestingly, different types of mold give off their own distinct odor, and there are over 200 identified mVOCs released by a variety of fungal strains. But all you need to know is that if you smell it, you should call in the pros.
Your home has suffered from water damage in the past
Whether it was a burst pipe, a house fire that the fire department extinguished, or a leaky ceiling, all kinds of water damage can put you at risk for mold growth. And, even if the initial incident is far behind you, it’s possible that mold has been growing behind the drywall.
Someone living in your home has been dealing with respiratory issues
People with allergies or compromised immune systems will react more strongly to mVOCs emitted from mold colonies. The symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, itchiness in the throat, congestion, runny nose, and headaches.
Your pets can also be more sensitive to mold exposure, with symptoms typically including rashes, itchy skin, and excessive self-grooming.
You have recurring mildew in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room
Technically, mildew is a type of fungus, but it’s not as toxic or difficult to remove as other strains of household mold. That being said, if you have mildew on the walls of your shower, inside your toilet tank, or under your kitchen sink, it could be a sign of a humidity issue.
In other words, if your house is a welcoming place for mildew, there’s a good chance that other types of mold are also milling about somewhere out of sight.
You’ve noticed discolorations, bubbling or peeling of paint and wallpaper
Another common hint that your home may need a mold inspection is visible signs of water damage throughout your home. You may notice discoloration on the walls, such as yellowing from water exposure or black dots that indicate a mold colony. This can also take the form of bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper or sagging in your ceiling.
You can see discolorations on fabric surfaces
Mold likes any kind of porous, fibrous material that its roots can cling to. That means that carpeting, couches, and the sweaty gym bag in the closet can also be a place for mold growth. You may not immediately recognize this as mold, but discoloration on soft surfaces could also be a sign of a problem.
You’re buying a home
Here in Florida, mold inspection is not required when putting a home on the market. But, closing on a house without doing this important step can put you at risk for being responsible for mold remediation later on.
Remember that a house inspection may not pick up on mold, so it’s a good idea to schedule a separate mold inspection before signing.
When a mold inspection may not be necessary
As you can see, a mold inspection is necessary in a variety of situations. But, when can you forgo this step?
On the one hand, let’s say that your home has no history of mold, water damage, or humidity problems, and no one in your home is experiencing symptoms. In this case, a mold inspection can give you peace of mind, but it’s not required.
On the other hand, if your home has visible signs of mold, you can skip forward directly to mold remediation instead of inspection. During our remediation process, we’ll conduct a thorough search of your home to find all colonies and eliminate the problem.
Call One Stop Restoration in Orlando for your next mold inspection
No matter why you’re thinking of scheduling a mold inspection, you’ll be glad not to have to carry around the weight of uncertainty anymore. With a thorough and professional mold inspection by One Stop Restoration, you’ll know once and for all whether your home has a mold problem. We can also provide tips and recommendations for preventing mold growth in the future.
We offer home and commercial mold inspections all over the Orlando area, including Maitland, Belle Isle, Bay Hill and more.
