Common Signs of Mold Infestation and How to Address Them

You can avoid attic mold removal in Toronto through annual or event-specific mold testing at any time of year. While some homeowners will actually see visible mold growth, most of us miss the subtle signs and symptoms that indicate mold. This tricky fungus’s propensity for hiding underneath insulation or in hard-to-reach areas makes it difficult to catch by sight alone. In this article, the MoldTech team will share some of our best tips and tricks on the common signs of mold infestation and how we suggest you address them for a safer, healthier, and mold-free household. 

Odour

Mold creates a damp, musty odour that’s easy to smell whether or not the infestation is visible, making your nose the best detector of hidden colonies. If you’ve never smelled mold growth before, we like to compare it to the rich, wet scent of a forest floor. The smell of mold may be strong or faint and tends to make people sneeze!

Strange Stains

Mold grows into materials like wood, drywall, and textiles, leaving strange marks that may look more like stains than the fuzzy green or grey look you might be expecting. One of the most common signs of attic mold that MoldTech sees are rings, spots, or marks on the ceiling that indicate mold is coming through from above. 

Allergies

Mold can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic allergies or the common cold or flu. Sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and coughing are all common allergic reactions to mold — as well as pollen! So, how do you tell the difference? Allergies to mold tend to disappear as soon as you leave an affected area, so if your “cold” only appears at night, you may want to consider mold testing. 

Roof Damage

When we help people with attic mold remediation, it’s generally caused by one of two things. The first is damage to the roof, shingles, or vents. When moisture enters or becomes caught in the attic through roof damage, mold will thrive. Actively monitoring and maintaining your roof is one of the best ways to prevent mold growth. We suggest doing a visual check after significant storms and keeping trees or bushes trimmed well back. 

High Heating or Cooling Bills

The second most common cause of attic mold growth is damaged insulation, which causes high heating and cooling bills. Insulation protects your home from the weather and keeps your heating and cooling inside where you need it. If you find that you have high bills or that your thermostat struggles to regulate the temperature, it may be related to mold because affected insulation will degrade and underperform.

How to Prevent Mold Growth at Home and in the Attic

There are several things that even the least handy homeowner can do to prevent mold growth from taking hold. Our top recommendations for preventing mold growth include:

• Fix Leaks and Drips: Mold follows drips and leaks from pipes, damage, and extraordinary events like floods. Fixing leaks and drips promptly will prevent long-term damage. If there’s been a flood, use fans and mop up water as soon as possible. Move furniture away from walls and air out rugs or textiles. 
• Increasing Airflow: Air movement helps dry up excess moisture and prevent mold from forming. Wet and warm is mold’s ideal environment, so keeping the attic or basement dry and cool is enormously helpful in preventing mold. 
• Humidity: Balancing your indoor humidity at 50% (give or take) will keep excess moisture from traveling throughout your home. Humidity can spark mold growth in rooms where there are no water sources or other risk factors. In problem areas like the basement, we suggest that you use a dehumidifier to 

How to Eliminate a Mold Infestation

It’s never too late to address the cause of mold growth — in fact, it may be even better to do it when you need attic mold removal in Toronto when the MoldTech team can make bespoke recommendations and suggestions to reduce your future risk. Whenever you suspect mold growth or have concerns about a strange discolouration or funky smell, we can help you with mold testing or inspection to rule out mold and help you balance your home air quality and safety. To learn more or talk to a MoldTech technician, call or email us today. 

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