Uh oh. Is that a stain on the ceiling? Mold: a four-letter word that can strike alarm into any homeowner.
Is this the reason I’ve been sneezing more often? How do I know for sure I even have a mold issue? Where do I find a mold company in Akron?
Keep reading to see if mold might be making you sick and when to contact a mold contractor.
What Is Mold?
We’ve all heard the term, but what is mold?
Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that is toxic for humans to breathe in. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments. In the summer when rain and humidity ramps up in Akron, you’re likely to find mold in your attic, crawl space, basement, bathroom, or kitchen.
Symptoms of Mold Illness
Having mold damage in your home can cause subtle symptoms that can be mistaken for allergies, or it can cause a whole host of issues. There is no species of mold that is safe when inhaled, so top mold removal companies, like RDF Services in Akron, recommend getting an inspection as soon as you suspect you may have an issue.
Some symptoms of having mold in your home are:
- Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headache, sore throat, runny nose or watering eyes
- In asthma sufferers, it can cause a significant increase in asthma attacks or chest tightness and wheezing
- In those with immune deficiencies, mold can cause serious chronic illness
Signs of Mold Damage in Your Home
If you have one of the signs of mold damage in your home, such as illness, then it’s definitely time to look for some of the other signs.
Smelling Mold
On occasion, the only sign you’ll have of mold in your home is the smell. Mold smells musty, kind of like the smell of an old book. Smelling mold, but not seeing it, can indicate that you have mold hiding somewhere, like behind a wall.
Seeing Mold
If you can see mold you should take action right away. Mold can look like dirt, clusters of black spots, white and threadlike, or sometimes it can be pink, orange, or purple. You can also sometimes find water damage stains on ceilings, walls, or floors.
Finding a Reputable Mold Contractor
When it comes to mold removal and remediation, it is definitely best left to the professionals and not a DIY job. Opening up a wall or trying to clean mold yourself without the proper equipment can exacerbate the issue by spreading the mold spores to more places.
Some questions to ask a potential mold contractor are:
- Do you consider mold a health hazard?
- Do you test the indoor air quality?
- Is your company insured?
- Do you follow the EPA’s recommendation for mold removal?
Again, if you suspect your home has a mold problem, do not wait and allow your health to suffer or the problem to grow. Contact a trusted mold remediation company, like RFD Services in Akron, Ohio, for a free, no-obligation mold inspection today!