Learn how to check for mold in your house and save money. As you probably know, hiring a person to test for mold in your home can be expensive. Understanding what causes mold to grow and the places where it can be found is the first step to learn how to check for mold in your house.
Causes of mold growth
Mold will grow if moisture is available. Like any other living organism, mold also requires a source of nutrients to grow. While mold can grow over a wide range of temperatures, most of the molds that we encounter in indoor environment grow well at 20o to 25o.
How to check for mold in your house
Mold is likely to be found growing on damp organic materials. It is therefore common to find mold growing in damp finished basements, under kitchen sinks, in the washrooms, ceiling tiles and on the windowsills. Mold can also be found growing in the wall envelop. The following are some of the areas where to check for mold.
Perform a careful walkthrough of the suspect areas
- Check for visible mold growth. Mold may appear as solid patches or discrete colonies of many textures and colours.
- Check for signs of excessive moisture or water damage:
Leaks, warping, standing water, staining, condensation, efflorescence, corrosion of metal, and dampness to the touch. - Use the sense of smell to locate sources of odors.
Mold odors are “earthy” or “musty”.
Not all mold growth produces noticeable odors. Dormant or dead mold may not be odorous. - Check for mold in your house in such areas as:
- Behind, under, and within cabinets, shelving units, storage lockers, and other furniture or furnishings;
- Under carpet and pad, especially when covering, or installed over, an on-grade or sub-grade slab;
- Above ceiling tiles;
- Behind wall coverings such as wallpaper and paneling;
- Within duct work, chases, risers, tunnels, plenums;
- Within wall cavities; and
- Inside appliances and mechanical systems.
That’s how to check for mold in your house.