3 Signs of Hidden Attic Mold You Can’t Ignore
Many mold infestations in Bradford are missed because they’re hidden in the attic, where darkness, insulation, and cramped quarters mean that few homeowners do more than a cursory glance every few years. At MoldTech, we advise our clients to watch out for three common signs of mold growth that can indicate the need for mold removal in Bradford: strange odours, water stains, and increased allergies. Attic mold removal can be especially tough predict because it’s out of sight, and therefore, out of mind, but watching for these three signs can help you know when it’s time to call us for help.
Sign 1: Musty or Earthy Odours in Your Home
Mold stinks, figuratively and literally — mold has a distinct damp, musty smell that can travel throughout your home. This smell may be composed of several elements: the host wood, textiles, paper, or organic materials that mold lives on and actively consumes; the scent of the mold itself; or the spores that the mold produces to spawn new colonies.
Once you recognize the smell of mold, you’ll recognize it more quickly when you enter a room affected by it. Many of MoldTech’s clients just call it “basement smell,” not realising it’s a solvable condition that points to issues with moisture or humidity, two conditions that mold needs to survive. Since mold often grows underneath insulation, behind drywall or flooring, and in dark, hard-to-reach areas, this smell is usually all the warning you may get that mold is growing at home.
Sign 2: Visible Water Stains or Discolouration on Attic Surfaces
Water is critical to mold’s survival. Leaks, humidity, and condensation in attics are really easy to miss, which is why attic mold removal is so common across Bradford — most homeowners fail to notice the small drips or build-up of humidity that cause attic mold growth.
When there is attic mold growth caused by moisture, there may still be visible signs in the rooms below. Small cracks and peeling paint may be the precursor to more obvious water stains and discolouration on the ceiling and beams.
Discolouration can happen slowly as drywall or wood is saturated and mold takes root. Even patches as small as a quarter can be the tip of a larger infestation or problem, so don’t delay in having it checked out with mold testing and inspection!
Sign 3: Increased Allergy or Respiratory Symptoms
Invisible mold infestations can be easy to ignore (out of sight, out of mind), but one way they announce their presence is through an allergic response! Most MoldTech clients report symptoms like:
- Sneezing.
- Running nose or nasal congestion.
- Itchy, watery eyes.
- Coughing or respiratory irritation.
- Headaches
These allergic responses may seem minor, but prolonged exposure can start to significantly disrupt your daily life and routine. Exposure to mold is also linked to the development of asthma and can negatively affect people with chronic respiratory diseases.
Why Early Mold Detection Matters
At MoldTech, our priority is helping you create a safe, healthy home. Mold may seem like a minor problem, but the health and safety risks just aren’t worth it. Some types of mold create toxins that can affect the brain and other organs, and long-term exposure simply isn’t safe for anyone.
Mold will break down and damage the structure of your home, too, eating through insulation, sheathing, and joists, causing costly damage and repairs!
If you are concerned about strange smells, marks on walls or ceilings, or allergies that don’t disappear, it’s time for mold testing in Bradford! Our team will thoroughly assess your home and attic for hidden or subtle signs of mould growth, utilizing safe and non-invasive testing protocols that rely on scientific principles to produce accurate results. If we find attic mold growth, our friendly and professional technicians can help you eliminate it with safe and effective mold removal in Bradford. Learn more about how MoldTech works by exploring our blog or contacting our team for individual help.