A light brown stain has appeared on your bright white ceiling seemingly out of nowhere! Does this mean you have mold growth behind the drywall? The answer is not so simple and a few factors need to be considered.
Identifying mold behind your wall
First of all, if you notice a water stain somewhere, there is very likely a leak above the discolored area. If there is plumbing above the stain, a small leak at a water supply or drain is the likely culprit. If there are no plumbing lines above, a leaky roof is probably the issue.
Here’s what to look for to find mold behind the walls:
Discoloration and stains
Water stains can be a sign of mold growth and water damage. Meaning, if you see water stains, you most likely have mold in your walls. Water stains can be yellow or brown in color. Another indicator of mold growth is discoloration which can even show up on recently painted walls.
If staining is the result of a leak, the water staining is likely cosmetic and can be painted over. Keep in mind that paint or wallpaper can crack, peel, or bubble because of moisture and mold growth. If there’s a serious water issue, your walls can even warp or develop a bulge. If the leak has been going on for a prolonged period of time, your drywall may develop mold and the drywall should be removed and replaced. If you are unsure as to how long the leak has been happening, it may be best to make a small hole in the drywall to check for mold after the water intrusion issue has been resolved. When in doubt consult a professional who can properly inspect the area and provide direction on the best course of action.
We can help if the job seems to be too big. Contact Moldman for a free in-home quote today.
Odors coming from your walls
If you are unable to visibly spot any signs of mold growth, you’ll likely still be able to smell the mold. Mold gives off a musty odor. We suggest smelling your electrical outlets or other spaces that have access behind your walls. This will make it easier to figure out where the mold is coming from.
What to Do When You Find Mold in Your Home:
You have determined that the stain, discoloration, or deterioration is mold. What do you do now?
Since mold can have serious damage on both your home and health, it is important that you immediately address any mold growth. If you are able to take care of the damage on your own, we have a helpful guide of the best chemicals for killing mold.
If you find your home has mold growth that you do not feel comfortable taking care of or need help, then you should seek professional mold remediation services. We can give you a free quote, and walk you through the process.
Check out our DIY Mold Removal eBook to learn more information on water stains.