Is There Mold Behind My Walls? 3 Signs Of Hidden Mold

mold behind wall

3 Signs You May Have Hidden Mold Growth

Not all mold problems are easy to spot. 

Generally, the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions mold growth is an image of ugly dark spots creeping up the walls or spreading across floors—something obvious and easy to spot. 

But in many cases, mold spores will colonize in hard-to-see (and hard-to-reach) places that are anything but obvious. They include the attic, basement, crawl space, in dark closets, behind walls, and beneath carpets and flooring. 

This so-called “hidden mold” can go undetected for weeks or even months, impacting everything from the structural integrity of your home to its indoor air quality. As a homeowner, being able to recognize the signs of hidden mold is vital to your health and the health of your family members (including your pets). 

How does mold growth happen?

It all comes down to moisture. 

Mold thrives in damp, humid environments—often as the result of water damage or poor ventilation. Some of the most common factors that contribute to excess moisture and indoor mold growth include: 

  • Storm damage
  • Clogged gutters
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Ventilation issues
  • Broken appliances
  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Backed-up sewer
  • Sump pump issues
  • Hot water tank failure

But if there are no visible signs of mold growth in your home, how do you know if you have a mold problem? 

3 signs of hidden mold growth in your home

While you may not see the telltale dark spots or discoloration that typically indicate a mold growth problem, there are some other ways you can identify the presence of mold inside your house. The 3 most common signs of hidden mold growth indoors are:

1. Odor

Is there a dank, musty smell pervading your home that you have been unable to identify? Certain types of mold release gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which give off a distinct odor. An unpleasant smell is one of the biggest signs of hidden mold and a clear sign that it may be time to call a mold remediation professional. 

2. Condensation

Another telltale sign of hidden mold is the appearance of condensation (visible droplets of water) on indoor surfaces such as windows, windowsills, walls, floors, furniture, and carpeting. Because mold grows quickly in damp conditions, it is important to find the source of the excess moisture and resolve the issue as soon as possible. 

3. Allergy symptoms

Have you or has someone in your family experienced an increase in allergy symptoms lately such as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, or trouble breathing? Have your pets been extra itchy or struggling with unexplained skin or ear issues? Microscopic mold spores in the air can trigger an immune response when inhaled, resulting in increased allergy symptoms. 

What to do if you think you have mold

If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, there is a very real possibility you may be dealing with indoor mold growth. 

Before you start hacking away at your walls or pulling up flooring, take a moment to try to pinpoint the issue as well as you can. Is the musty odor stronger in a specific room or on a certain floor of your house? Does the condensation only appear in a single area? And when did you first start noticing a worsening of allergy symptoms? 

Next, call a mold remediation specialist to help you identify the source of the hidden mold problem and determine the best solution.

Contact Connecticut’s trusted mold specialists.

CT Mold Pros can quickly address your hidden mold problem and guide you in taking the next steps toward removal and remediation. 

Our highly trained and certified specialists are dedicated to creating healthier living environments for Connecticut homeowners, ensuring every step of the mold remediation process is executed with precision and care. 

Call CT Mold Pros today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment. 

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