For example water stains on drywall aren t 100 indicator that you have mold but there s clearly water getting there from some sort of source.
Mold signs of water damage in walls.
The above signs of water problems in homes are usually created by leaks.
Every type of water or flood damage will cause the appearance of mold in the affected area so you might want to check your walls and ceilings for it.
If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls.
A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home.
Signs of mold from water leak signs of mold from water leak include visible mold usually black or gray in color either patchy or streaky and the mold from water leak usually looks slimy.
In 2017 the average claim for water damage in the u s.
In addition to the damage that water causes it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors where it s visible and in ductwork attics and crawlspaces where you might not notice it.
You can detect leaks in walls by looking for key signs of water damage including peeling paint or wallpaper or patches of discoloration.
A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.
You may also notice peeling paint water stains on walls or ceilings buckled drywall or buckled shelves under your kitchen or bathroom sinks and a musty.
Some signs of water damage in walls are obvious.
However if you already know that you have had a water leak such as leaking pipes or a leaking ceiling then just that knowledge by itself even if you don t see signs of water damage is a good sign that you might have mold growing in your house around the area where the leak was.
A musty smell indoors can also indicate a water leak.
Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor.
Long term leaks can cause structural damage within your walls and can also lead to serious mold problems in the walls.
In some cases there may even be visual signs on the walls itself if not of the mold there are clues that you re at potential risk of mold.
Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems so deal with it quickly.
So learning how to spot possible water damage is essential.
Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture such as bathrooms kitchens.
If the water damage inside the walls persists mold will show signs on the surface.
The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest.
Water damage can cause serious problems in any home and if you don t spot the signs of water damage and deal with it quickly then it is likely to worsen over time.
If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it.
Two keys to mitigating the damage water causes are prevention and early detection.
Mold on walls and baseboards.