How Do You Know If You Have Mold In Your House?

Mold can be a silent invader in your home, impacting not only your property but also your health. But how do you know if you have mold in your house? Here are some common indicators that you may have a mold or mildew problem:

• Allergy-like symptoms such as a runny nose, red eyes, trouble breathing, sneezing, itching, or lethargy that seem to improve when you leave your home.
• Persistent headaches that occur primarily while you’re indoors.
• Unpleasant odors or a white powdery substance appearing on furniture, clothing, or other surfaces that haven’t been cleaned recently.
• Visible mold growth in damp spaces like showers, around faucets, or in areas with consistent moisture.
• Discoloration on walls or ceilings, which may appear as dark spots, streaks, or patches.
• Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper, especially in areas prone to moisture.
• Unaddressed water damage, including flooding or leaks that weren’t professionally mitigated or repaired.
• Leaks in plumbing that you may or may not be aware of, causing hidden moisture buildup.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, you may have a mold problem. Mold can occur in any season- Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, and in any climate.

Why Mold Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Mold doesn’t go away on its own. Even in dry climates, all it takes is a bit of moisture and warmth for mold to thrive. It produces millions of microscopic spores per square inch, which can spread easily through the air whenever the mold is disturbed. These spores can remain dormant for years and only need the right conditions to start growing again.

Even the cleanest homes can develop mold problems. While minor mold growth in non-porous areas can sometimes be cleaned, a widespread or hidden mold issue often requires professional intervention to ensure complete remediation and to prevent recurrence.

Cost of Mold Remediation

Mold remediation can be a significant investment, with costs ranging between $10 to $25 per square foot. Unfortunately, mold is not typically covered by standard homeowners' insurance policies, leaving property owners responsible for paying out of pocket.

Because of these costs, some homeowners attempt to clean up mold on their own. However, improper cleanup often makes the situation worse by spreading spores or leaving moisture behind, ultimately leading to higher remediation costs in the long run.

Hiring a professional mold remediation company is the most effective way to eliminate mold and prevent further damage. These experts have the tools, knowledge, and safety measures needed to remove mold and identify underlying issues, such as leaks or ventilation problems.

Does UV Light Kill Mold?

Yes, UV light can help kill mold, but it has its limitations. UV-C light specifically can destroy mold spores by breaking down their DNA. However, this method works best as a preventative measure or to kill airborne spores. It is not effective for mold colonies already growing on surfaces, as UV light cannot penetrate deeply enough to fully eradicate the problem.

For visible mold growth, professional cleaning and remediation are still necessary to ensure complete removal and prevent regrowth.

Do Air Purifiers Help with Mold?

Air purifiers can be a helpful tool for reducing mold spores in the air, improving indoor air quality. HEPA filters are particularly effective at trapping airborne spores, preventing them from circulating in your home.

However, air purifiers cannot remove existing mold growth on surfaces or in hidden areas. While they can reduce spore levels temporarily, they should be used alongside professional mold remediation for long-term solutions.

The Bottom Line

Mold is more than just an eyesore—it’s a health hazard and a serious threat to your home’s structural integrity. If you suspect you have a mold problem, act quickly to address it. Professional mold remediation not only resolves the issue but also helps prevent further damage and costly repairs in the future.

Who To Call For Help

Finding a trusted mold remediation company is crucial for complete and proper mitigation. T.A.C.T. North Atlanta is the leading mold remediation company in the Atlanta area. We not only have more experience than most mold cleaning companies, but we are also certified in mold remediation and inspection. We are insured and licensed in the State of Georgia for biohazard remediation. 

Check out these reviews from recent customers of ours: 

When it comes to mold, don’t take chances. Contact T.A.C.T. North Atlanta to restore your home to a safe and healthy state.

T.A.C.T. North Atlanta provides 24/7 emergency biohazard decontamination services for residents and businesses in the local communities that we serve. We specialize in clean up from suicides, homicides, crime scenes, trauma scenes, undiscovered death, blood spills, bodily fluids, vehicle decontamination, odor removal, dangerous pathogens, decontamination, sanitizing, tear gas, drug labs, mold remediation, hoarding, rodent droppings, and specialized cleaning services that vary by location*. 

We work with all insurance providers, are licensed, bonded, and insured. We handle your situation discreetly and empathetically. When you call T.A.C.T. for help, your call will be answered by an owner or manager, never a call center or answering service. Our technicians are certified and highly trained in the latest methods. If you are in need of emergency assistance to clean up following a traumatic event, call T.A.C.T. North Atlanta.

*Services offered vary by location