5 simple steps to check if you have a mold problem in your home

Mildew and molds are fungi - simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It is their ability to destroy organic materials that makes mold a problem for properties and their occupants. Mold can grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials or porous surfaces. Mold colonies can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce via spores - tiny, lightweight "seeds"- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems.

The potential for health problems occurs when people inhale large quantities of the airborne mold spores. For some people, however, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions and the elderly are at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold. We suggest that you consult a doctor regarding any health concerns.

I will provide you some basic tips on what to look for on a residential property to find out if you have a mold problem.

1) Make a list of all the locations that you noticed an active or previous water entry in your home, Either if is a window leak, roof leak, condensation, plumbing issues or problems with your A/C unit. Using a flashlight inspect all the wall boards around and behind all water sources such as around and behind plumbing fixtures, behind the dishwasher, under air handler, below the windows look for moisture stains, material deterioration or any irregular appearance to the wall board. Pay close attention to the baseboards, make sure that there is no separation between the wall and the baseboard (whether the water is coming from a plumbing leak or a roof leak water will always travel downed to the laws of gravity eventually reaching the baseboards, if wooden baseboards are exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time, the wood will tend to expand deteriorating the sealant and separating it from the wall). If any stains or separations are present at the baseboards, remove the sealant with a utility knife, separate the baseboard from the wall and inspect the back side of the wood and the front side of the wall board for signs of mold growth.

2) Walk around the exterior of the property paying close attention to the condition of the exterior wall covering look for any cracks, holes and openings that may lead to a water intrusion (even hairline cracks can eventually become water entry points during raining season). Look at all the windows and make sure they are properly sealed. (If any of these conditions are present go back to the interior of the property and inspect the wall bard behind and under the exterior defects using the method explained above). It is essential to own a moisture meter that which you can purchase on most home improvement stores in effort to check the moisture content of the suspect locations. If the moisture content is elevated it is very possible that a mold growth is taking place or will begin to grow if the materials are exposed to moisture for more than 48 hours especially on gypsum boards (drywall) and wooden surfaces. If wood floor covering is installed look for stains or any deformation of the wood.

3) Look inside your A/C unit. Remove the filter and look at the coils, make sure it’s clean and shiny. Remove the top lid and look at the interior insulation making sure no excessive dirty or mold growth is present. Remove the A/C vent nearest to the unit and look inside the ductwork for any signs of mold. Look at the thermostat and make sure the fan is in the AUTO position. Having the fan set on the ON position is beneficial for filtering the air as the air conditioner fan is always on. Thus, it is always pulling air through the air conditioner filter, even when the AC is not cooling and drying the air that it is circulating. However, in hot humid climates, this can cause serious humidity problems as the AC system pulls hot humid air in from the attic, outside, or garage, into the building without first cooling and drying the air as would typically happen if the thermostat was set to the auto position. The AC should be run on the auto setting in hot humid climates, or during hot humid seasons, so that any humid air that leaks into the system or building can be cooled and dehumidified. If you require the additional air filtration that would otherwise be provided by the on setting; then consider a high-quality, stand-alone air filter.

4) Pay attention to musty or mold like odors. Some compounds produced by molds are volatile and are released directly into the air. These are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). These compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors. The production of toxins and mVOCs generated by fungi in an indoor environment depends on many factors, such as relative humidity, temperature, food source type and its moisture content. If a mold odor is present then it is safe to
assume the presence of microbial growth.

5) Monitor the relative humidity levels in your house (you can purchase a digital RH meter or hygrometer on any home improvement store) Humidity levels should always be below 55%. If the readings are above of this value, that means that you are either nor running the A/C enough, the system it’s not cooling properly or it’s the improper size for your property. High humidity levels for a prolonged period of time can lead to mold growth, dust mites and serious condensation issues especially on windows and A/C vents. To maintain humidity levels it is also recommended having a working exhaust fan in every bathroom that has a tub or shower.

If any of the above mentioned conditions are present I suggest getting a mold testing kit that offers air sampling using a pump and a spore trap and is sent to a accredited laboratory for analysis, This will be significantly cheaper than hiring a licensed inspector and would give you the information you need regarding the overall air quality of the suspect locations (do not confuse air sampling kits with a petri dish sampling kits, petri-dish sampling is the most unreliable method used for mold testing).