Wondering if those questionable moldy spots in your home warrant professional inspection? This guide will help you determine if concerning signs are present, and when it’s time to call in a pro. We’ll walk through the most common moisture issues and visual clues that indicate a mold problem.
We’ll also briefly cover what happens during testing, typical costs, and next steps if an inspection confirms an underlying infestation. Here, you’ll find the information you need to protect your family’s health and your house.
What is Mold and Why Does it Matter?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp environments. While we commonly find small amounts of mold outdoors and in our homes, larger infestations can cause extensive mold damage to your home and health. Mold releases microscopic spores that become airborne. When inhaled, these spores can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory illness in sensitive individuals. Chronic exposure may also weaken the immune system.
Left unchecked, mold consumes organic materials like drywall, wood, and fabric as it spreads across surfaces, causing significant damage to your home’s structure. A professional mold inspection can detect infestations early before they compromise your home’s structure and your family’s health. This guide covers common signs that indicate it’s time to take action and schedule an inspection.
Visible Mold Growth
The most obvious indicator that your home may contain excessive mold is visible mold growing. Mold can appear in a variety of colors, most commonly green, black, white, or gray. Look along baseboards, under sinks, in unfinished basements or attics, and around windows and doors.
Mold often occurs in bathrooms around leaky pipes, showers, tubs, and toilets. If you disturb an affected area, you may even notice fuzzy mold spores release into the air. Any sizeable mold growth or recurring patches merit contacting an inspector to test for spores and identify remediation steps.
Musty, Earthy Odors
One of the first things you’ll notice with a mold issue is a musty, damp smell. This earthy, moldy odor results from mold releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you only notice the smell occasionally after heavy rain or in extra humid weather, it likely isn’t a concern.
If you regularly detect a persistent musty or mildew-like odor, especially when you enter certain rooms or disturb furniture, it could signal an underlying mold growth. Have an inspector identify whether your HVAC system is harboring mold and spreading spores.
Signs of Excess Moisture
Mold needs moisture to grow, so signs of excess dampness likely indicate mold as well. Look for water stains or discoloration on walls, ceilings, or basements, which point to leaks or flooding. Condensation on windows and chilled interior surfaces also creates optimal mold conditions. Other moisture clues are bubbling or peeling paint and drywall.
Make repairs quickly at the first sign of water damage or leakage because mold can start growing within 48 hours. But also schedule an inspection to check if mold has already taken hold behind walls and under materials.
High Home Humidity
While some humidity is normal, sustained levels over 55% encourage mold issues. Humidity spikes from daily activities like cooking, bathing, laundry, and even breathing. But it can also stem from insufficient ventilation, leaky roofs, or foundation cracks.
Monitor humidity with hygrometers, ventilate with fans and dehumidifiers, and make repairs as needed. But if you cannot easily control humidity or find signs like condensation and musty smells, have an inspector check your home’s hidden mold levels.
Health Issues in Household Members
Allergic reactions and respiratory irritation can result from mold spore inhalation. Pay attention if household members experience any of the following symptoms with no clear explanation:
- Increased sneezing
- Runny noses
- Sore throats
- Wheezing
- Watery eyes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Breathing issues
Chronic mold exposure poses even more risks like lung infections. If health problems persist despite your best efforts to control moisture and ventilation, take the next step of scheduling a professional inspection.
Past Flooding or Plumbing Leaks
Any type of water damage in your home’s history means a higher likelihood of mold growth. Review any flooding incidents, broken pipes, appliance leaks, roof damage, foundation cracks, and other moisture issues. Even a minor bathroom leak years ago could have spawned mold behind walls or under flooring.
While you may have made repairs, residual mold may remain in hidden crevices. If your home has a history of water issues, an inspection can identify if they caused subsequent mold growth.
Home Age and Construction Materials
Homes built before the mid-1980s lack proper moisture barriers in walls, attics, and crawlspaces. This oversight allows outdoor water to penetrate more easily. Without updated ventilation, moisture accumulates to feed mold growth.
Concrete, wood, and particleboard building materials also inherently absorb and retain moisture. Have an inspector examine your home’s vulnerable areas if it dates to the 1970s or earlier. They can confirm whether moisture has penetrated construction materials to spur mold development.
Recent Renovations or Redecorating
Remodeling projects and redecorating often involve exposing hidden areas in walls, attics, basements, etc. During this work, pay attention for any signs of mold like visible growth, musty odors, or moisture stains. Water damage or mold issues may have remained unnoticed previously.
If you discover suspicious signs, put your project on hold and schedule a mold inspection. Left unchecked, disturbing hidden mold during renovations can circulate spores throughout your entire home. It’s smart to test for mold proactively even with no obvious indicators.
Mold Inspection Cost and Process
If you observe multiple concerning signs of a potential mold issue, the next step is to contact a qualified mold inspection company. Look for an inspector certified through organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). They should also have completed EPA mold remediation training.
The inspection process involves visually examining the entire interior and exterior of your home. The inspector will look in common problem areas like basements, attics, crawlspaces, bathrooms, and behind walls. They may use moisture meters, cameras, or even remove sections of drywall to check for hidden mold. Air sampling or surface swab testing can also detect spore types and levels.
A thorough inspection for a single family home often costs $300–$600 on average. Rates depend on your home’s size, the inspection methods, and your location. Invasive testing is more costly but also more likely to uncover hidden mold.
Mold Inspection vs. Testing
Mold inspection visually identifies mold present in your home. Mold testing goes a step further to pinpoint the mold species and spore concentrations. However, testing has limitations in real-world home settings:
- Results can vary greatly between tests.
- All homes contain some mold from outdoor air.
- No official guidelines exist for acceptable spore levels.
For these reasons, visual inspection is often sufficient to document a mold issue without the additional cost of testing. Testing is not required or recommended in most cases. Focus instead on removing any visible mold and the moisture enabling its growth.
Next Steps After a Mold Inspection
If an inspection confirms a mold infestation, take prompt action with mold remediation. First address the water source, such as leaks, flooding, or humidity. Then thoroughly clean affected porous surfaces like drywall or replace as needed. Using a professional remediator is recommended for mold growth exceeding 10 square feet.
Continue moisture control and ventilate properly after remediation. Small, recurring mold patches can be promptly cleaned as well before they multiply. Take the necessary remediation steps to protect your home’s structure and your family’s respiratory health if a mold inspection reveals a sizable underlying issue.
Our Conclusion
Noticing potential mold indicators in your home can be worrying. But a professional mold inspection will provide definitive answers on whether hazardous mold growth is present. If you observe multiple correlated signs of excessive moisture or suspect hidden mold, contact an experienced local mold inspector.
Getting a thorough inspection as soon as possible allows you to act quickly if a problem exists before the mold spreads and leads to expensive damage. Don’t ignore persistent suspicious symptoms—take the step to call in the experts.
FAQ About How to Tell If You Need Mold Inspection
Should I only be concerned about black mold?
While black mold may sound the most ominous, any excess mold can pose health risks, regardless of color. All types of mold release allergenic spores and VOCs. The color mainly correlates to the material it’s consuming. Don’t downplay a potential issue just because mold growth isn’t black.
What’s the cost of a professional mold inspection?
A thorough mold inspection often costs $300–$600 on average. The final price depends on your home’s size, the inspection methods, and your location. Invasive testing is more costly but also more likely to detect hidden mold behind walls and under materials. Compare rates among qualified local inspectors to get the best value.
When is DIY mold testing sufficient versus hiring a pro?
For a basic overview, DIY mold test kits sold at hardware stores can be useful. They allow you to sample air and surfaces for mold. However, these tests have limitations in detecting mold behind walls or identifying the mold type. For a more rigorous inspection, hire a certified professional mold assessor with high-tech tools like thermal imaging cameras and lab analysis. Their inspection also covers necessary remediation steps.
What credentials should a mold inspector have?
Search for a professional certified through the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers mold remediation training programs a qualified inspector should have completed. Verify necessary state and local licenses as well.
How can I prevent mold from returning after remediation?
The key is maintaining low interior moisture consistently. Fix any water intrusions like leaks or seepage. Use exhaust fans, add insulation, and seal openings. Dehumidify to keep indoor humidity under 45%. Also clean and disinfect any small mold outbreaks right away before they multiply. Follow these moisture prevention practices to avoid repeating costly mold issues.
