How to Tell if Your Home has Mold

Mold is an unwelcome guest and something that you don’t want to find in your home. However, it is common for homes to have mold growth once in a while, and it is important to know the signs of mold. 

Here are five signs that your home might have mold. 

1. You Have Noticed Breathing Issues 

Mold inhibits the ability to breathe for many people because it is a fungus that can have airborne particles. Particularly for people with asthma, and young children or elderly people, mold creates respiratory problems. 

If you and your family don’t normally have breathing problems but notice that you have been coughing and weezing, you might have mold in your home. 

2. Condensation 

Condensation is a sign that your home may have mold developing inside or outside. Buildup of condensation on smooth surfaces – such as walls, windows, or metal – are the perfect place to notice condensation. 

To combat this, invest in a dehumidifier to keep the inside of your home. It is also a good idea to get a mold inspection to be sure that your home doesn’t have mold growing already. 

3. Musty Smell Despite Air Fresheners 

If your home smells musty consistently – even though you constantly have air fresheners, candles burning, and windows open to air it out – this means that your home likely has mold. 

Mold spores have a distinct smell that is easy to distinguish, but if you aren’t sure if the musty smell is mold or not, check your roof for leaks, windows for condensation and walls for moisture or weak spots. 

4. Nosebleeds 

Nosebleeds aren’t super common, even when it is cold outside, most people don’t get them frequently. If you have noticed that you and your family have been getting nosebleeds frequently – and normally don’t – this is a sign of mold. 

Mold spores can become airborne and can get into your nose and lungs with tiny particles being in the air. If you are getting nosebleeds, this is a serious problem and it is recommended to get a mold inspection as soon as possible. 

5. If You See Mold

Of course, while this may seem evident, seeing mold anywhere in your house is likely a sign that you have a mold issue. 

When mold develops outside of your home, it is typically inside also, and behind walls and areas that are hard to get to and see.