5 Signs You Need a Professional Mold Testing Inspection
If you have obvious mold issues, it is never too early to schedule a mold inspection. St. Louis indoor mold problems commonly exhibit as black spots on walls, but there are many other signs to look out for if you want to safeguard the health of your family or employees. A small amount in a home or workplace is normal, but when should you order professional mold testing in St. Louis, MO?
Mold growth can become excessive under the right conditions, leading to serious health problems and structural integrity concerns. Below, our St. John Environmental Consulting professionals discuss five signs that your building needs urgent mold inspection in St. Louis.
What are the Signs of a Mold Problem?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic matter like wood, drywall, or even food. Mold spores are everywhere, and all that they need to thrive is water and warmth. Here are five common indications that you need a professional mold inspection in St. Louis or nearby areas:
#1 Water Leaks
Where there is standing water or a constant drip, you can expect to find mold growth. Water can come from a host of sources, including broken roof shingles, leaky pipes, floods, storms, and dripping taps and toilets. One of the most common ways that water does structural damage is by causing rot, which typically involves mold growth.
Addressing one problem might prevent the other, so look out for signs of dampness or water damage in floors, walls, or ceilings. If there are noticeable leaks, be sure to book our services for a professional mold inspection in St. Louis.
#2 Musty Smells
Mold and mildew have a distinct, musty smell. It tends to become stronger as the mold growth expands; if you can smell it, it usually means that you already have extensive mold growth. The stronger the smell, the larger the concern.
However, even the faintest whiff of mildew should set off the warning bells. If you notice the odor more after rain or high humidity, it is almost certainly a mold problem that needs immediate attention.
#3 Visible Mold Growth
If you can see the mold, you already have a significant problem. The visible parts of mold form sporing bodies, so even the smallest speck of visible fungus is able to release millions of spores. These particles may cause allergies and other health concerns.
Many people don’t know what mold looks like, as it comes in a massive range of colors and textures. In humid or damp areas, it might look like:
- black, furry spots
- colorful slimy spots
- black spots on walls
Mold appears in a wide range of colors, often brighter than you might imagine. If you see a vivid orange growth on shower grouting, don’t ignore the problem; schedule our affordable mold inspection in St. Louis right away.
#4 Health Symptoms
Black spots on walls are not just unsightly—they can be harmful to your health. The most common effect of mold growth is an increase in allergies with watering eyes, headaches, sore throats, and runny noses. The worrying symptoms are due to the millions of spores that mold releases when it’s happy and thriving in your home.
A good way to distinguish between seasonal or mold allergies is to monitor when the symptoms peak. If you experience the worst allergies outside, it is probably due to environmental contaminants like pollen or dust. If it is worse at home, schedule a mold inspection—St. Louis does have some molds that cause severe symptoms, but these growths are relatively rare.
#5 Humidity
You don’t need a leaky pipe or standing water in your basement to grow mold. Inspection in St. Louis often reveals the ill effects of humidity and heat as ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Even trace amounts of condensation from a shower can be enough to cause mold growth in a warm, dark environment.
If your home has an average humidity of 60% or above, you’re at high risk for mold growth. Summer is worse, and it is wise to consider the following solutions:
- Use a dehumidifier. It takes the moisture out of the air and improves how you feel in the comfort of your own home.
- Ensure better ventilation. Moving air dissipates moisture, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Schedule An Affordable Mold Inspection in St. Louis Now
Mold growth affects your health, and the unchecked spread of spores can quickly compromise the structural integrity of any building. Mold and mildew species are opportunistic and thrive anywhere there is enough moisture and some warmth. Be vigilant about the areas in your home or workplace that foster these conditions, or ask for our services for your peace of mind.
The sooner you address the issue with mold remediation, the better you will feel. Call St. John Environmental Consulting at 314-853-4668 today to schedule a mold inspection in St. Louis or the surrounding areas.
