The best way and more thorough way to detect mold is to hire a home inspector or mold inspector. They have sophisticated equipment that will detect mold. Essentially what they do is take an air sample outside the home and an air sample inside the home. The inspector will then send these air samples to a lab. The process can take a few days. The lab will compare the two air samples. Naturally, the mold levels outside the home should be higher than inside. If the mold levels inside the home are higher than the levels outside the home then you have a problem. This is really the best way to know if you have elevated mold levels. Some types of mold are difficult to see with the naked. This type of thorough inspection will certainly determine if there is mold in your home.
Detecting Mold
Mold likes to grow in damp, dark places. It thrives in areas with little or no sunshine and the presence of moisture. Some common places where mold is found:
Inside Cabinets
Make sure to check these areas periodically. Often times you will see it under the kitchen sink where it is dark and where moisture may have built up.
On Drywall
Black mold often grows behind walls. It will then grow to neighboring walls. You might notice cracked or chipping paint due to the mold. If you see this happening all of the infected drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Behind Baseboards
If you have ever had a leak or flood on the floor then you might get mold behind the baseboard. Drywall can suck up moisture that is on the floor and retain it. With moisture and darkness behind the baseboards you could get mold or black mold.
Around Roof Leaks
It is common to see mold growth around any roof leaks. Again, moisture and the lack of light is a great breeding ground. Periodically go in your attic to make sure you don’t see any mold growth. A roof leak might be so small that you notice the mold and not the water.
Humid homes or condos
Properties with high humidity can breed mold. I recently saw a beachfront vacation condo inundated with mold because the owners kept their hurricane shutters down for over a year and half cutting off all light. To save money they were not running their air conditioner enough. Humidity levels need to stay below 55%. The entire condo had to be cleaned. It was a 6 day process and very expensive.
Around Windows
If you have a leak around a window it is likely that mold will grow. It may be difficult to see as it could be underneath the window frame. It is best just to fix any kind of leak around your windows.
Flooring
Your flooring could have mold underneath it. Moisture and dirt becomes trapped under your carpet, window and tile. Mold will feed on the dirt, grime and dust.
Shower Curtains
This is an easy one to spot and fix. If you notice mold on your shower curtain throw it out and buy a new one. The dirt, grime and moisture make a shower curtain a great breeding ground for mold.
