We get a lot of calls from worried customers at ProCare Restoration because they can’t tell if they have mold in their home. And oftentimes, they call after mold has already thoroughly infested their home, simply because they didn’t know the signs of what to look for. That’s why we thought it might help out our customers to give them a list of things to check for. So here’s how to identify mold in your home.
Know the Causes
First of all, every homeowner should be familiar with what causes mold growth. The two main factors are moisture and lack of ventilation, particularly if you don’t clean very often or very thoroughly. However, mold can grow under even the most unlikely circumstances, so even if you think there’s no cause for it, you may end up finding mold in your home. Suspend your disbelief in order to protect your family. Mold really can grow anywhere.
Watch for Symptoms
The symptoms of mold exposure look a lot like allergy symptoms initially. They include coughing, wheezing, rashes, watery eyes, runny nose, and more. However, this can escalate into more serious things like a mold illness or a fungal infection. So don’t discount your sneezing as spring allergies. You may actually have a mold infestation somewhere in your home.
Look for Visible Signs
When searching for mold, people typically look for black mold since that’s the most toxic kind. However, mold can be a variety of colors like blue, gray, green, pink, or white. Typically it appears in spots and it will stand out visually from its surroundings. If you have spots on your walls or see darkened areas, then it may very well be mold. Don’t mistake mold for simple discoloration!
Call a Professional
Lastly, if you’re still not sure whether you have mold in your home, either because you can’t see it or you can’t tell if what you’re seeing is actually mold, call the professionals at ProCare Restoration. We have the expertise to either visually identify or chemically test mold in your home. We can even professionally remediate the mold at a reasonable cost.
In fact, ProCare Restoration has been named the #1 mold remediation company in Chicago by Thumbtack for two years in a row! So schedule your inspection with us today, and rest assured that you’re in good hands.