Living in a healthy home is something we all aspire to, but dealing with a mould issue can make that a real struggle. You want to feel like you’re breathing fresh air all the time, but unfortunately, that’s not always the reality.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the ways in which you can tell if you have a mould problem. Here’s what you need to know.
Visible mould growth
The most obvious sign of a problem is if you have visible mould growth everywhere. Usually, it shows up in humid places with a proclivity for getting damp easily, like in the kitchen or the bathroom. It also turns up in parts of the home that don’t get a lot of ventilation and are prone to condensation.
Musty odours
One clear indicator that something may be not quite right is if you notice a musty smell in certain rooms. Ideally, every area of your home should have a consistent scent, unless you’re intentionally adding fragrances. If there’s a lingering odour – even after a deep clean – it may be hiding in the walls or ceilings.
Health symptoms
You could also have mould in your home if you’re developing certain health symptoms (and they don’t seem to be coming from anything else). If mould really is the problem, then it often results in the development of new allergies, itching, sneezing, coughing or a runny nose, and it can be quite hard to dislodge.
Testing results
You could also discover you have mould in your home through testing. Modern systems, such as the Airtrap XL mould testing device, utilise AI to assess the concentration of spores in the air, helping you determine if mould is a concern. All you have to do is set them up, blow air through them and then check the results to see what they reveal.
High humidity
If your home tends to be humid, you may find yourself dealing with a mould issue. A little moisture in the air is generally fine, as long as there’s sufficient ventilation. However, without proper airflow, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.
The problem, again, is condensation. Once it starts to build up on the walls and around windows, it provides everything that mould needs to get a foothold and start spreading. What’s more, there’s not much you can do about it. Mould spores are in the air naturally and will grow whenever they get the chance, using water, air and the food sources contained in your walls to help them survive.
Moisture meters
You may want to consider using a moisture meter to assess the risk of mould in your home. When the moisture levels in your walls exceed a certain threshold, it can almost certainly lead to mould growth.
These meters are versatile and can be placed wherever you think they’re needed. They sense dampness and alert you before it becomes visible.
Professional testing results
Lastly, when it comes to tackling mould issues in your home, getting it professionally tested can be a game changer. These experts will take surface samples to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies and guide you on how to address it effectively.