signs of moldAccording to mold expert Bill Jones of Rainbow International located in Beverly, MA, spring presents the ideal conditions for mold to grow. As snow and ice melts and leaking occurs, homeowners will need to address interior damage. Jones suggests a 3 step process: Tear out, Dry and Replace. He suggests that any wet drywall and insulation should be removed so the plywood and sheathing underneath can dry properly before the new drywall and insulation goes back up.

Mold can pollute your home when breathed in and can cause serious health risks. In 2004, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence to link indoor mold exposure to upper respiratory tract symptoms and respiratory illness in children. Those with asthma are also more vulnerable to the health dangers of mold and studies indicate a linkage of exposure to damp areas to the development of asthma. Mold thrives in damp places and it reproduces when these spores land on wet areas. Mold can begin to grow after 24 hours of an area being wet so you should check your home for mold after a water leak in any of your plumbing, a leak in the roof, or a recent flood. Rooms that are more susceptible to mold in your home are ones that contain more moisture such as your bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.

Here are a few ways to spots signs of mold in your home:

  • Major Visual Sign: If you can SEE mold growth, no matter how small, you should take immediate action.
  • Small Amounts: It may look like soot or dirt in corners of your windowpanes, bathtubs or showers. These small amounts may indicate a larger, hidden mold problem. If you see these you should:
    • Do The Smell Test:
      • Damp
      • Bowed
      • Bulging
      • Warped
      • Or have paint or wallpaper peeling or bubbling

Allergic Reactions

Mold is an allergen that can cause a range of allergic reactions. If you are experiencing coughing, sneezing, wheezing or other respiratory symptoms while you are in your home, but they subside when you are away, then mold could be the cause of your allergic reaction.

It is imperative that you fix any water damage for good and control the moisture in your home to avoid mold infestations. Coastal Windows & Exteriors and Rainbow International care about your family’s health. So if you think you have mold in your home, call us today for a FREE roof inspection and estimate to find out what caused the leaks and then Bill Jones from Rainbow International can evaluate your home for mold, remove it and repair any possible water damage causing mold growth. Call us today to make your home safe this Spring at 978-304-0495.