Finding Hidden Mold

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Modern building materials including wood, drywall, grout, and wallpaper are all appealing food sources for mold. All they need is a little moisture, and mold spores can take hold and create an entire colony hidden behind the walls, beneath the floor, or above the ceiling in your home. With homes built the way they are today—tightly, with energy efficiency in mind—water from a leaky roof or vapor from the dishwasher can easily get trapped inside. This creates a recipe for disaster, one that could cause health effects.

Finding Hidden Mold in Your Home

Hidden mold can also destroy home value by damaging its structural integrity. It’s something you want to get rid of as quickly as possible.

If you think you might have hidden mold growing in your home, use these tips to find it:

Hire a professional: The easiest and best way to find out if your home has hidden mold is the hire a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO. We know how to quickly and successfully find and eliminate mold in your home while causing the least amount of disruption to your daily life possible. Some of the other methods listed below can be challenging to perform without the help of an experienced pro.

Check the roof for leaks:Visit the attic and pull up insulation to check for hidden mold there. Roof leaks can also result in ceiling water stains and sagging drywall, other indicators for hidden mold growth.

Check for leaky pipes: This obvious sign of water intrusion could be causing mold growth on the other side of the wall. Examine all fixtures for leaks, including the bathroom and kitchen sinks, toilet, refrigerator, washing machine, and all other water and sewer supply lines.

Test the humidity with a hygrometer: If any rooms have relative humidity higher than 60 percent, hidden mold is likely in that area.

Examine the inside of cabinets: Remove drawers and look thoroughly at all wood surfaces in kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. You may even need to remove the cabinets in their entirety to examine the wall and floor beneath the installation. This, however, will most likely require the help of a professional.

Have the ductwork inspected: Mold can grow inside the ductwork and spread spores all over your home. An inspection from SERVPRO may reveal the problem.

Have the ceilings, walls, and floors tested for dry rot: Elevated internal moisture and dry rot is an indication that hidden mold is growing there.

Remove sections of wallpaper: Cut one-inch square pieces from the wallpaper every several feet. Examine the backside of the samples for mold growth.

Cut holes in the drywall: This can be seen as a drastic move by many homeowners, but if you have hidden mold behind the walls in your home, it’s important that you find it as soon as possible. Use a flashlight to examine the wall or ceiling cavity. Smell the air and try to pick up on any musty odors that indicate mold growth. 

SERVPRO has the expertise and knowledge required to remove mold from the basement, crawlspace, attic, or anywhere else it has started growing in your home or business. Call 734-744-8104 today if you suspect mold anywhere in your home or business.