Homeowners rightfully fear an infestation of mold, but many are not sure how to determine if what they see as mold in their home is truly mold. While professional testing is still a valid way to determine if your home has mold, testing has become easier so that homeowners can tackle it themselves.
Before you get into testing, you may want to know a bit more about recognizing mold and mold detection.
Mold Detection
Mold isn’t always easy to identify, but it can be done. Here are some methods of mold detection:
- Obvious mold spores
- Dark spots that look like stains or discolorations
- Musty or earthy smells, damp smells; or the smell of sweaty socks
- Allergic reactions, such as stuffy noses, itchy throats, itchy eyes, or dry skin
- Respiratory infestations and asthma symptoms worsen; serious illness from fungus in lungs
- A dank smell coming from the HVAC system
- Warping and cracking of walls from moisture
- Dark grout in the shower (although it could be trapped water)
- Moisture problems in subfloor create squishing sensation
- Leaks in roof and poor ventilation in attic
- Flooding in home, which usually leads to mold
Once you suspect mold is present, find the source of the moisture that is causing it. Some possible sources:
- Leaky plumbing
- Roof leaks
- Ductwork leaks
- Past flooding
If you smell mold but can’t see it, check in hidden places, such as under carpets; behind appliances and furniture; in basements and attics; on ceilings; near plumbing; on windowsills; on insulation; and inside wall cavities.
Testing for Mold
There are two basic methods for testing for mold:
- Individual sampling: collecting samples from a specific area, such as the HVAC register or visible mold on a wall.
- Composite samples: one sample from multiple areas
Collecting mold in certain ways will have an impact on testing. For instance, airborne and dust-mold tests are recommended if it’s unknown if mold is present. Dust samples are recommended when identifying mold in heavily water-damaged buildings, while surface testing is recommended if water damage is mold-related. Samples are collected by gravity plates, swabs, spore traps, and other means.
For more on mold detection, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area