Home

Do I have mold?

We are often asked:
Do I have mold in my home?

The simple answer is "YES".  Mold is everywhere and provides us with many good things such as fine, aged cheese or a delicious aged sirloin.

The better question to ask may be:

Do I have bad mold in my home?

That is the question you should be asking!

Mold can be a scary issue, for you, for your family & for your health.  If you think you might have bad mold or something smells moldy or has a musty smell, you should seriously consider having your home inspected.  Mold is not a problem to ignore, health related issues can be & are  devastating.
  
BUYING A HOME OR PROPERTY?
Are there any signs of an active?  Remember, where water goes, mold soon follows.  Is there a musty smell in the building?  Are there visible signs of water damage on the walls, ceiling, floor, anywhere?  Has the home experienced a leaking basement, a roof leak, a plumbing leak, a sink or sewer back-up or overflow, a flood, or any other water problems?  Look for telltale water stains on walls and ceilings or baseboards that do not fit to the wall well & appear to be wavy.

Don't buy a home without a Mold Inspection!

The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Developement encourages purchasers to obtain a Professional Mold Inspection prior to closing. (HUD-9548-E)

VISUALLY SEE MOLD?
Have a mold inspection and mold test to determine the type and quantity of mold(s) and have a professional inspector check for the source of the mold problem.  Mold tests can also determine if the mold you have is toxic or allergenic.

SMELLS MOLDY OR MUSTY?
If it smells like mold, it probably is mold.  Again, the better question is "Is this a bad mold?"  Many times mold grows behind walls or in attics, crawlspaces, or basements and is not readily visible.  Have a mold inspection to check for mold and the source of the mold problem.  If mold is found, have it tested to identify and determine if it is cosmetic,allergenic, pathogenic, or toxic.

UNEXPLAINED HEALTH COMPLAINTS?
Your environment may be contributing to or causing your health problems.  Have a mold inspection to find or rule out mold.  If mold is found, have tests done to identify and determine if it is toxic or allergenic.  Have other environmental testing performed.
  
SOME MOLD WARNING SIGNS:

  • Persistent Health Complaints (weeks to months)
  • Persons feel better when away from the home or building
  • An increase in the frequency or severity of respiratory issue

SOME ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS:

  • sneezing
  • a runny and itchy nose
  • watering and itching of the eyes, nasal stuffiness
  • respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and coughing
  • increased asthma attacks
  • sudden onset of asthma

SOME TOXIC SYMPTOMS:

  • memory loss
  • attention deficit/concentration problems
  • personality changes such as irritability or depression
  • neurological disorders such as tremors
  • tingling or burning of nose or mouth
  • chronic fatigue
  • dizziness
  • nausea/vomiting
  • bleeding in the lungs
  • suppression of the immune system
  • headache
  • flu-like symptoms
  • unexplained depression
  • muscle spasms
  • cramps

If you suspect that any of these issues are affecting you or your family memmbers you should consider having a professional mold inspection and mold test.