Mold is a silent but dangerous thing to have in your home. Depending on the type and amount, mold can cause mild and serious health problems. Sadly, most people do not realize they have a mold problem until these health issues start. That is why it is important that all homeowners understand how to identify the five major warning signs of mold. If you notice any of these signs, it is critical that you contact a mold remediation expert immediately.

Here are the five major warning signs of mold:

1. Your Home Has A Musty Or Pungent Smell

One of the easiest ways to identify a mold problem is by the smell. Though not all toxic molds produce an odor, most smell musty or pungent. If you go into a room and notice a smell similar to wet socks or rotting wood or paper, you need to begin inspecting for mold. As mold can often live behind the walls or under wallpaper, beneath carpets and flooring, or even inside furniture, the smell can help you identify the issues.

2. There Are Strange Stains On Your Surfaces

There are over 100,000 different types of mold in the world, so they come in a range of colors and textures. The molds most often found in homes are black, brown, green, yellow, white, or gray in color. They generally have a fuzzy or cotton-like texture. Some molds grow in spots, while others grow like moss, and still, others grow in branches. If you notice any usual stains or spots around your home, there may be mold. If they are in wet or damp areas, then it is highly likely.

3. You’ve Recently Dealt With Excess Water

Mold flourishes in wet and damp areas. So if you’ve recently had issues with excess water in your home like flooding, leaky roofs, or plumbing issues, you are very likely to develop a mold problem. Anytime you experience issues with excess water, you need to be extremely vigilant to make sure you don’t develop a mold issue. Check these areas frequently for signs of mold.

4. Your Home Is Very Humid

It is not just leaks and flooding that can create the conditions molds love, it can also come from excess moisture in the air. If your home is very humid, then you can develop mold. The best way to note the humidity in your home is to check for condensation along your windows when it is cold outside. You can also sometimes see condensation on pipes and other surfaces. If you notice condensation, stay vigilant because mold may begin to flourish.

5. You Are Noticing Health Problems

If you’ve noticed that you, a family member, or even a pet has started to develop sinus issues, allergies, or asthma, you need to check your home for mold. Even if you typically have allergies, if you start sneezing, coughing, or experience difficulty breathing, you need to check your home as soon as these symptoms appear. As stated, oftentimes it isn't until the health issues are severe that homeowners are able to identify mold as the source.

If you notice any of these telltale-warning signs of mold, you need to call a mold remediation expert immediately. They will inspect your home, identify the type of mold, and put together a plan to keep you and your family safe from the health risks.