Mold is a serious problem that can happen in any home, particularly in Toronto, where the level of humidity is higher compared to other areas. It does not only cause severe damage to your property but also creates health hazards for you and your family members. Be it due to water damage in Toronto, poor ventilation, or other environmental influences, mold can grow behind the walls, under flooring, or above ceiling tiles. The earlier the detection of this issue, the less the damage will be. This article describes the top 5 signs that you really need professional mold removal in Toronto in order to keep your home safe and healthy.
Persistent Musty Odor
The first sign that always appears in these conditions is some kind of moldy or damp smell that never goes away. Even though you may not be able to see the mold, a strange smell that does not leave your house may be a surefire sign, especially in your basements, attics, or bathrooms. The mold may grow behind the wall, under the floor, and inside ventilation; hence, finding its source may be difficult.
This type of odor results from the VOCs emitted by mold during its growing process. As the source might not be visible, professional inspection tools like moisture meters or thermal cameras will be helpful in spotting the hiding mold growth. Anytime you experience a strong smell in your home, it may be time to engage in professional mold removal in Toronto for investigation, particularly after water damage.
Visible Mold Growth
While moldy odours serve to indicate the presence of mold, which is hidden, visible mold growth is certainly proof you should take immediate action. Molds will appear in different forms, such as black spots, green patches, or white fuzzy growths on walls, ceilings, or even furniture. The appearance of an area, no matter the amount of mold suggests that the conditions present in your home are ideal for mold growth, which can then spread quickly to other areas.
Given the right conditions of high moisture from bathrooms, kitchens, and basements or even water damage, mold growth can be pretty aggressive. Remember that the mold visible is often but the tip of an iceberg. What you see may well be a small part of a much greater problem hiding behind your walls or beneath your floors. Professionals in mold removal can find out what the full extent of the issue is and take steps for its safe removal.
Recent water damage or flooding
In case your home has recently suffered from flooding, a roof leak, or any form of water damage, it will be really important for you to remain alert for the signs and symptoms of mold. Mold grows best in damp environments, and it can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to water. So, after water damage, there is usually lingering moisture within building materials such as drywall, wood, or carpets that may become an ideal breeding site for mold.
Places in your home, like the basement, crawl space, and attic, are more susceptible to water damage. If you find damp spots or discoloration in those areas, then that’s likely a time for mold inspection. Companies offering both services in Toronto mold removal and water damage restoration will ensure that your home is thoroughly dried and any mold growth is stopped. If mold is not remedied, it can compromise the structural integrity of your home and present serious health hazards for occupants.
Health Symptoms
Mold isn’t just bad for your property; it’s disastrous to your health. Unexplained respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, and fatigue in you or anyone in your home could be due to mold. It is very easy to inhale mold spores, especially when they’re passing through your home’s HVAC system.
The symptoms range from sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes to such extreme reactions as asthma attacks and difficulty breathing. The general population more susceptible to mold health issues includes those with preexisting health conditions, young children, and the elderly. If an increase in health problems is evident after water damage or even in the middle of high humidity conditions, it is a good idea to have a mold inspection done in your home.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper can be yet another indication of moisture and mold growth. Excess moisture in the wall often makes paint and wallpaper detach from underlying surfaces. In such a case, this generally means water has been trapped behind the wall, and for mold, that is just about the most inviting environment there is.
If you find your paint or wallpaper peeling from areas prone to moisture buildup, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, it’s likely that mold is growing beneath it. Professional mold inspectors can peel back the layers and investigate if the issue is at the surface level or if it extends deeper into your home’s structure. Very often, the problem is only fully able to be resolved by removing the mold at its source.
Mold Removal in Toronto for a Safer Tomorrow
Mold is one of the many things you want to avoid in your home. It causes serious health-related problems and expenses a lot in terms of home damage. From persistent musty odors to visible mold growth, water damage, health symptoms, and peeling paint all are signs that spell mold removal required in Toronto. This is where your speed of action comes into play along with finding professionals who can take care of the assessment and remediation effectively.
Whether you’ve recently had water damage restoration or are just starting to notice a few of the above signs, don’t wait for it to get any worse. Make it a point to get in touch with a trusted mold removal service that can ensure your house remains safe, healthy, and mold-free.