How to spot mould in your home

On top of this, it can result in structural damage and is often a sign of a leak. It is, therefore, vital to deal with mould as soon as possible, and knowing the signs is key to achieving this. 

Several key indicators can alert you to a mould problem. Some will help you to catch it early before there is significant damage to the property or your health, so it is crucial to be aware of them. 

Mould Spores

The most obvious way to identify a mould problem is the spores themselves. They're most common in rooms with excess moisture, such as bathrooms and are often found in the corner of ceilings. Although visible mould spores make identifying the problem easy, it also means the issue has progressed to a notable infestation. Ideally, it is best to identify the problem earlier, which will mean relying on some of the other signs listed below. 

Damp Smell 

Another indicator of mould is a damp, musty spell. This is typically noticeable before visible spores helping you to catch the problem early. Mould gives off this smell when multiplying, and it is often present in dark, damp rooms such as basements and lofts. 

Plumbing Leaks

The next identifier of mould isn't a symptom but a cause. Mould grows in excess moisture. If a leak goes unnoticed, it can lead to mould growth. If you spot a leak, you should further investigate for mould. Burst pipes and flooding are often more noticeable and can be dealt with quickly. Provided the area is dried sufficiently fast, you should be able to avoid mould. However, hidden ongoing leaks, which may take longer to identify, could present more of an issue. Ongoing maintenance is essential to preventing mould, and you should make plumbing repairs as soon as an issue is identified. 

Mould Health Effects

Mould poses serious health risks and can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. This is why it is so vital to identify and remove it as early as possible. Unfortunately, mould can go undetected for long enough for health issues to occur. It's essential to understand the health complications mould can cause as they are another way of identifying the problem.

Flu-Like Symptoms

Of course, cold and flu-like symptoms could be from a cold or flu. However, if identifying the cause is proving challenging, it could be a sign of mould. You can experience symptoms before the mould comes through the walls. If you're experiencing symptoms, investigate further, looking for damp, cracks and leaks, which could help you identify mould early. 

Ongoing Respiratory Issues

Continued respiratory issues can be a sign of mould. Mould can trigger asthma or allergic reactions, resulting in respiratory problems. If you're experiencing shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, the problem may be a mould issue in your home.

How To Test Your Property For Mould 

Depending on the severity of the mould problem, mould and dirt can look similar. But there are telltale signs and quick tests to check that you are dealing with mould. The most straightforward test is to clean the area. This will remove dirt, dust, and mould alike. However, if it is a mould problem, the spores will return within a couple of days. 

Dirt also won't cause structural damage, whilst mould will. If the affected area is soft and crumbles, you're most likely dealing with mould. 

Using the indicators and tests above, you can identify mould as soon as possible. The sooner you identify the mould, the sooner you can fix the issue and prevent health issues from developing. 

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