Mold is a sneaky and unwelcome guest that can quietly take up residence in your walls without you even realizing it. If left unchecked, it can cause some serious health issues and damage to your home. So, how do you know if your house has mold in the walls?
The most telltale signs of mold in walls are a musty odor, visible discoloration or staining, and any signs of water damage or leaks. If you notice any of these red flags, there’s a good chance mold is lurking behind the scenes.
While those are some good indicators, mold isn’t always obvious. It can hide behind wallpaper, under carpets, and in other sneaky spots. Keep reading to learn about some less apparent signs of mold and what you can do to stop it in its tracks.
Other Sneaky Signs Of Mold In Walls
Even if you don’t spot obvious signs like musty odors or visible growth, your walls could still be harboring mold. Peeling, bubbling, or cracking wallpaper or paint can be a subtler sign of moisture issues. If you have any drywall that feels soft or spongy to the touch, that’s another red flag.
Pay attention to any cold or damp areas on your walls too. Mold thrives in moist environments, so rooms with higher humidity or condensation (like bathrooms or kitchens) are prime spots for growth. Exterior walls can also be susceptible, especially if there are any leaks or cracks letting moisture sneak in.
Health Symptoms That Could Indicate A Mold Problem
Mold doesn’t just wreak havoc on your home – it can also trigger some nasty health issues. If you’re suddenly dealing with chronic allergies, headaches, or respiratory problems, your walls might be the culprit. Mold spores can cause all sorts of reactions, especially in folks who are sensitive to begin with.
Other symptoms to watch for include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. If you notice your health issues seem to flare up when you’re at home (and magically improve when you leave), that’s a telltale sign that something funky is going on with your indoor air quality.
What To Do If You Suspect Mold In Your Walls
If you’ve got a hunch that mold is lurking in your walls, it’s time to do some sleuthing. The first step is to grab a flashlight and start poking around, keeping an eye out for any of the signs we mentioned earlier. If you spot something suspicious, resist the urge to poke or prod at it – disturbing mold can release a bunch of spores into the air.
Your best bet is to call in a mold remediation pro who can assess the situation and safely remove any growth. In the meantime, run a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check and crack open some windows to get fresh air circulating. With a little vigilance (and maybe a few strategic renovations), you can keep mold from making itself at home in your walls.
Can You Prevent Mold Growth In Walls?
While you can’t completely mold-proof your home, there are some smart steps you can take to make your walls less appealing to those pesky spores. Job number one is moisture control. Mold absolutely loves damp environments, so it’s crucial to keep humidity levels in check.
Use exhaust fans religiously in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and consider investing in a dehumidifier for particularly humid rooms. Fix any leaks ASAP, and make sure your gutters and downspouts are in good shape to keep water away from your foundation. Proper ventilation is key too – crack open those windows whenever possible to keep air circulating.
Does Mold In Walls Mean My House Is Unlivable?
Finding mold in your walls can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pack up and move out. The key is to act quickly and get professional help to assess the situation. A qualified mold remediation company can determine the extent of the growth and develop a plan to safely remove it.
In some cases, you may need to temporarily relocate while the work is being done – especially if you have health issues that make you more sensitive to mold. But once the growth is removed and the underlying moisture issues are addressed, your home should be perfectly livable. Just be sure to stay vigilant and address any future water damage or humidity problems ASAP to keep mold from moving back in.
Keeping Your Walls Mold-Free
Now that you know how to spot the signs of mold in your walls, it’s time to take action. If you suspect you’ve got a mold issue, don’t hesitate to call in a professional for an assessment. They can help you determine the best course of action to get rid of the growth and prevent it from coming back.