One to-do project that every California homeowner should have on their list is to regularly inspect their home for mold. Mold can quickly start to become an out of control problem if left untreated.\

What is Mold?

Found everywhere, molds are microorganisms that may be safe outside, but inside they can cause damage to your home and put your family's health at risk.

The most common types of indoor molds include aspergillus, cladosporium, and penicillium. Growing quickly wherever there is moisture, molds can be both seen and smelled, appearing as black stains, a furry growth, or spots of brown, green, or orange. Some obvious signs of mold growth include damp and musty odors, paint that's bubbling and peeling, deformed and uneven floors, and water stains on ceilings and walls.

Identifying Mold Problems

Mold growth is often hidden, growing where you can't see it. If you suspect that mold is growing, start with a visual inspection of your home in these areas:

Check for leaks in the attic and roof.
Inspect the basement and crawl spaces.
Look behind ceiling panels and into wall cavities.
Check for water damage around doors and windows.
Inspect the bathroom and kitchen for small plumbing leaks.
Check window sills to see if any moisture is seeping in.
Inspect carpets and rugs for any musty odor.
Causes of Mold Growth

The key to keeping mold from growing is to control moisture. Some of the causes of excess moisture in your home can include:

Lack of ventilation in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.
Living in a region that has high humidity.
Leaking pipes and poor plumbing.
Gaps and splits in exterior siding.
Cracks in foundation walls.
Lack of insulation in the attic or basement.
Health Risks

When mold starts to grow in your home, exposure can lead to health issues. The symptoms may be worse for anyone in your family who has allergies or asthma:

Eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation.
Excessive coughing.
Runny nose and build-up of phlegm.
Shortness of breath and wheezing.
Headaches.
Sneezing.
To avoid these health problems, you'll want to get rid of mold as quickly as possible.

Mold Removal and Testing

If you find mold in your home you can take steps to remove it by using soap and water, baking soda and water, or commercial cleaning products. Be sure to wear a disposable N95 mask, protective eye goggles, and disposable gloves.
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Once mold has been removed you can control any new growth by:

Regularly inspecting and repairing plumbing problems and leaks around windows.
Controlling humidity levels with an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
Improving ventilation around cooking areas, in the shower, and in the laundry room.
When you have a large mold problem, it's best to call an expert for testing and abatement services. A professional can inspect your home for moisture problems and then safely rid your house of mold.

For mold testing and removal, contact a HomeAdvisor professional in California.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.