Do You Need Mold Removal? Learn the Spots Where it Likes to Hide

In the right conditions, mold can begin to creep into areas of your home in 24 to 48 hours. Stains, dampness, standing water, or a musty smell may signal that mold is growing and removal is needed. It’s also important to note that mold isn’t just black. Depending on the material it’s feeding or growing on it may be brown, rusty, blueish, and even white. But knowing what to look for is only half the battle. Here are some of the key areas we have found mold growing in Lake George and nearby homes. 

Carpeting

Carpeting is the perfect spot for mold to hide because it’s hard to see it underneath the carpet on the padding. Spills of any kind of liquid need to be completely dried to keep mold from getting a foothold. If you see mold on your carpet, chances are it’s more widespread than you think and it’s time to call in a mold remediation specialist to fix the problem and stop the spread. 

Walls and Ceilings

You can’t see behind your walls and ceilings, but you can keep an eye out for some of the telltale signs that mold is present. If you’re getting a whiff of a musty, earthy smell, see condensation, or have peeling wallpaper that should raise a red flag.  Contact a professional mold removal company to assess the situation. Tackling this job on your own could release mold spores and contaminate an even larger area.

Garages

Our vehicles bring rainwater and melting snow into the garage which creates the potential for mold growth. Many garages have drywall that’s not completely sealed or is damaged which opens the door for mold. Look closely around stored items that don’t get moved often, around garage doors and windows, and in spots such as drains or low areas that have standing water.

Behind Bathroom or Kitchen Tile

In tiled areas of a kitchen or bath, moisture can find its way in through cracks in the grout generating mold inside the walls. This type of mold growth can continue for years before it’s found either because of the smell or in many cases a remodeling project uncovers it. Having good ventilation and making sure grout is resealed regularly can help prevent this from happening.

Windows

Moisture is always looking to get into your house through the windows. Improper flashing, poor installation, and decaying caulk all give moisture a chance to invade the walls. In the Southern Adirondacks and Glens Falls area, heating your home in the winter can create a high humidity level inside and when that interacts with the cold window glass it creates moisture that can develop into mold. Check around windows periodically for stains or signs of mold.

Bathroom and Dryer Vents

These vents send a huge amount of moist air exhaust out of the house. They should always vent to the exterior of the house and not into the attic or crawl space. If they are venting to these areas there’s a good chance you’ll find a concentration of mold that needs to be eradicated by a remediation specialist.

Attics

People don’t spend much time in the attic, but between the heat and moisture created by roof leaks and bathrooms, mold can grow at a fast clip. It’s especially important to check underneath insulation as this is a prime hiding spot.

Crawl Spaces

Dark, damp, musty crawl spaces are the perfect place for mold to grow. Small plumbing leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, and no ventilation keeps this area from drying out. Regularly check crawl spaces for musty odors, moisture, leaks, standing water, and any visible mold.

CleanBright: The Capital Region's Mold Experts

At CleanBright Surface Restoration, our experienced mold abatement professionals know where to look and how to tackle any type of mold removal project. We specialize in mold removal and restoration in residential, commercial, and bank foreclosed properties throughout New York’s Greater Capital Region(including Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Hudson, Colonie, East Greenbush, Ballston Spa, Malta) and western VT & MA.

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