How to Get A Free Mold Inspection in Pennsylvania

As a homeowner, you’ll likely come across the dreaded “M” word: mold.

Mold is a living organism that can be found everywhere, from outdoors to inside your home. The latter is particularly hazardous, as it can result in significant health complications.

Learn more about this silent but deadly problem, including the signs of mold and how to create a safer and healthier living environment.

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Signs of Mold in House: What to Look For

Mold is an interesting fungus. It can be visible or hidden behind various materials and areas you might not think to check, such as paint, drywall, wallpaper, insulation, paper, cardboard, fabric, and wood. Along with discoloration and apparent damage, you’ll likely notice musty smells, a telltale sign mold is growing and thriving.

Mold loves the damp conditions of basements and crawl spaces in Pennsylvania homes. If you spot any of these molds, don’t panic, but don’t ignore them, either. It’s important to address mold growth before it gets out of hand and results in health issues and structural damage.

Still wondering what to look for? Keep reading!

What Does Mold Look Like?

Mold appears in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Here’s a cheat sheet of the most common types of mold in home areas:

water on basement floor and mold on walls

Cladosporium: Usually dark green, brown, or black with a suede or velvet-like texture. Found on fabrics, carpets, and wood surfaces.
Penicillium: Blue, green, or white with a fuzzy texture. Common on water-damaged materials such as wallpaper, carpets, and insulation.
Aspergillus: Often appears as powdery or fuzzy patches in colors like white, yellow, green, brown, or black. Common in damp areas like bathrooms and HVAC systems.
Stachybotrys (Black Mold): Dark green to black with a slimy texture. Thrives in persistently damp areas like water-damaged drywall and wood.

Black mold is the most dangerous of the bunch, as it can worsen various health issues like asthma and allergies in sensitive individuals. This mold type must be quickly identified and handled with care to avoid further complications.

How To Get Rid of Black Mold

While you can take steps to clean mold with solutions, including bleach, this can be risky if you have mold allergies or a compromised immune system, or if the black mold covers a significant area. Cleaning may suppress the mold temporarily, but it does not address the root cause.

Moisture is your home’s No. 1 enemy and the leading cause of black mold and other types of mold. Moisture management is the most effective approach to tackle mold problems. This includes basement waterproofing measures: interior drainage, sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and vapor barriers.

While many Pennsylvania homes were built with basements, some also have crawl space foundations. Crawl space-specific waterproofing measures are key to ensuring those homes remain free of moisture and mold.

Get A Free Mold Inspection Today!

Pennsylvania’s humid continental climate creates ideal conditions for the growth of mold in house areas like basements and crawl spaces. While mold is a common problem, it is not a “normal” or healthy occurrence. Keep mold at by attacking the source: moisture.

Our team at Baker’s Waterproofing has 50 years of experience with moisture management throughout Pennsylvania. We understand exactly what to look for if mold is growing in your home and how to prevent it from getting worse. Contact us today for a free mold inspection and customized waterproofing plan to create a safe and healthy home for your family.

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Mold in Home FAQs

How toxic is mold in the basement?

Mold in your basement can actually cause health issues like sore throat, allergies, and coughing. For some people, mold can even lead to cancer or severe allergic reactions.

What are the signs of basement mold?

Look for signs of basement mold, such as high humidity, musty odors, and discoloration on walls, wood, or insulation. Mold can be fuzzy, spotty, or filmy, and it comes in many colors. If you are unsure, contact Baker’s Waterproofing for a free inspection.

Are DIY mold removal methods effective?

DIY mold remedies only address surface-level problems and overlook the hidden moisture issues that cause mold growth. For a thorough and lasting solution, contact Baker’s Waterproofing for a free inspection and a comprehensive moisture management plan.

Related Resources

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.