Black mold can be one of the most undesirable things to find in your property. Not only is the mold black, but the wet and slimy appearance may be disgusting for most people. The black mold further releases spores into the air, which can trigger allergies and worsen conditions such as asthma. So, how do you know if you have black mold in your home? In this article, we explain how to tell if you have black mold and what to do.
What Does Black Mold Look Like?
Before you can determine if your home or property has black mold, you need to understand what it looks like. Although this type of mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, is often called black mold, it is not always purely black in appearance. Sometimes, the mold may look dark brown or very dark green. However, you will usually notice black mold by its smell even before you can start seeing it grow inside the wall.
The beginning of black mold on a surface starts with clustered and fuzzy patches of circular stains. When you wipe these stains, the surface tends to look green. In addition to the dark stains, black mold emits a strong, musty odor. You will usually notice a musty odor that can be compared to cedar wood, damp paper, or rotting plants. If you suspect that your home has been infested by black mold, it is best to contact experts to conduct a mold inspection to confirm and take the necessary measures.
How Do You Know If You Have Black Mold in Your House?
Figuring out whether you have black mold in your house can help avoid damage and health complications. Unlike most molds that thrive in damp environments, black mold is particularly toxic and tends to be more resilient. While most household molds are known to cause allergies and minor respiratory discomfort, black mold is notoriously known to worsen respiratory conditions. Excessive exposure to black mold can even cause more severe reactions, especially in infants and the elderly.
One of the defining characteristics of black mold is that it likes material with a high amount of cellulose. This may include carpet, fiberboard, paper, grout, and even sealant. It will usually eat through the surface, causing the material to rot or grow brittle over time. Eventually, this can lead to structural damage to the house.
Due to the toxic nature of black mold, it is best to identify and deal with it as soon as possible. Some of the early detection signs that you may look for include:
- Earthy or musty odors are mostly in moisture-prone areas such as under sinks, in basements, and around toilets.
- Fuzzy and dark spots on the ceiling, walls, or behind furniture.
- Past water damage or water stains, especially bubbling paints or dark rings on drywall.
If you notice the above signs, it may be an indication that your house already has black mold that is growing and needs to be addressed immediately. At this point, consider calling mold experts to help you deal with the mold.
How Mold Inspection Experts Can Help
Black mold in your house can be frustrating. It looks quite ugly, and the unpleasant smell may make your house appear and feel uncomfortable. Our Mold Inspection Canary experts will go beyond the obvious visible signs to detect and deal with mold in your house.
Some of the things we check for include humidity levels over 50 percent, which invite the growth of mold, and any peeling paint or discoloration on walls and ceilings. We also inspect behind furniture and under carpets for dampness as well as condensation on cold surfaces. If you suspect or are struggling with mold in your home, get in touch with us today. Our team will expertly inspect your home and provide a solution to any mold issues you may be having.
