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Finding mold in your home is never a happy discovery, especially when unsure if it's a recent infestation or an old issue resurfacing.
A new study from American Home Shield highlights mold risk by state, scoring Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi at the top of the list. Factors like average relative humidity, dew point, and rainfall play a significant role in driving the presence of mold, but with awareness, mold prevention is possible.
Given the widely shared concerns about toxic black mold spores and potential health risks that surpass any allergic reaction, taking the time to determine if your discovery is new or old is the first step as you make a plan to address and manage the affected areas.
How do you tell if mold damage is new?
- Color and Texture: Fresh toxic molds often has a slimy texture and is bright, while older, dead mold can appear dry and powdery, with hues ranging from yellow to black.
- Odor: New mold colonies tend to have a stronger, earthy or musty smell, while older mold might have a milder scent.
- Moisture Source: Humid conditions and poor ventilation are a perfect environment for many mold species. Check for recent water damage or leaks; if found, the mold is likely new.
- Visible Growth: Sudden or rapid obvious mold growth, or the onset of mold allergies or other respiratory conditions can signal new contamination.
- Documentation: Compare current conditions to past records to assess if mold is recent.
Regardless of presumed age, address all types of mold promptly to avoid structural and health issues.
When in doubt, consult a mold inspector and remediation expert to check for signs of mold. During a mold inspection, professionals (fully outfitted in protective gear) will analyze mold spores to determine the age of mold, and help you understand if it's inactive mold or a breed that's experiencing active mold growth.
Why is mold damage bad for homeowners?
Mold damage presents a multitude of challenges for homeowners.
- Triggers poor health effects. All common mold activity–especially black mold exposure–can pose significant health risks. It may not even be visible mold, but it can still create airborne spores. Common symptoms of mold exposure can present as allergies, eye irritation, asthma attacks or general shortness of breath, particularly in individuals with vulnerable immune systems, and potentially leading to more severe health concerns with prolonged exposure.
- Causes structural damage. It can deteriorate porous materials like wooden surfaces and drywall, potentially compromising the safety of the home and necessitating costly repairs.
- Impacts property value. It can dramatically reduce the property's value, deterring potential buyers and complicating the selling process.
- Challenging to remove. Existing mold growth can leave dark stains on surfaces like walls and ceilings, even persisting after remediation efforts.
- Legal and insurance issues. Dealing with a moldy environment can lead to legal and insurance issues, as coverage for mold damage may be limited or excluded from standard homeowner's insurance policies. The breeding ground could potentially result in legal disputes, particularly if negligence over an extended period is a factor.
How to Prevent Mold Damage
Avoiding a mold infestation begins with prevention. "In the ongoing battle against allergenic mold and mold-related damage, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers a comprehensive set of preventive measures," shares Darren Hudema, Director of Training and Technical Services at PuroClean. "These include controlling moisture by keeping indoor humidity levels low (below 60%RH) and swiftly addressing any building leaks or water damage. Adequate ventilation, particularly in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, helps to minimize water vapor, condensation and damp walls."
He adds that proper building materials help, too. From specialized drywall and paint to moisture barriers in exterior walls and crawlspaces, managing the moisture level is important.
Also, insulate attics, walls, and roofs to stop excessive moisture build up—this helps reduce the chance of moldy items or musty odors forming.
Airborne mold spores don't always spawn in plain sight. Hidden mold can grow in wet spots behind walls or under floors. Hudema encourages you to manage water outside the home:
- Install gutters and keep them clean.
- Direct water sources away from the building's foundation to stop it from seeping into basements or crawl spaces.
- Check for water leaks and mold issues in roofs, pipes, and air conditioning systems
"Monitoring indoor humidity levels with a hygrometer lets homeowners to take action if levels rise," notes Hudema. Running a dehumidifier and exhaust fan are ways to help reduce moisture if you're worried about breeding the perfect conditions for mold.
Lastly, if a building has been affected by water damage, dry all wet materials as soon as possible with a powerful air mover fan. Don’t wait—returning things to their normal dry state quickly helps prevent fungal infections and other health hazards. Routine maintenance matters, too: check for water leaks often and repair them fast.
