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Investigating for Mold
Home » Home Improvement » How Do I Get Rid Of Mold » Investigating for MoldIt is best to only investigate if there is a mold problem rather than testing for mold. If an investigation for mold leads you in the direction that it is present it is recommended by many experts that a mold problem is best taken care of by an investigation and then removal and clean up rather than testing for several reasons. One reason being that often times testing for mold is expensive and can use up funds that could go toward the removal and clean up of the mold. It can also take significant amounts of time for results to come in on a mold test and there are also instances where the results are inconclusive as to health concerns it may pose. Testing is really only helpful to determine the extent of the mold growth and the area that needs to be cleaned, both of which can easily be determined by an investigation. There are several clues to look for when investigating if a mold problem exists such as:
• Using your nose to locate a moldy, musty or earthy smell. If you locate a smell that is an indication of a mold problem.
• Look for signs of mold growth. Mold can appear cottony, leathery, velvety, or granular. It can also be several different colors such as black, white, gray, or yellow. To the naked eye mold can look to be a discoloration, staining, or even fuzzy type growths on the surface of materials such as walls, carpeting, concrete, or wood. It can appear on structural parts of the house or furniture.
• Investigate for water leaks, water damage, or areas of excess moisture. Look for areas of condensation, standing water, or water stains. All of these can show up on ceilings, walls, carpeting, woodwork, or any other building material.
• Investigate under and behind things as well such as under carpet and the carpet pad, under vinyl flooring, behind wallpaper, under and behind furniture and stored items, and under and behind sink cabinets.
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