Is there a musty odor you can not seem to put behind you? Or perhaps some odd spots have appeared on the ceiling or walls? You may find that some rooms are damp even with the air conditioning on.
Such things should give you pause; it is possible you have mold on your hands. We at Fortress Leak Detection & Restoration are here to assist homeowners throughout Metro Atlanta in nipping these kinds of issues in the bud and putting them right. Should you care to discuss what you are up against, our number is (470) 291-4099.
There is a logic to why mold is so prevalent in this part of town. Being close to the Chattahoochee and subject to the sort of heavy rain Roswell and its neighbours get means the dampness is there for the taking. And when mold gets a foothold, it has a way of spreading quicker than one would think.
Why It Is an Atlanta Problem
The climate in Metro Atlanta is all too accommodating for mold with its warmth and moisture. Add in the long humid summers and the ever present threat of flooding from the river, and homes are in a constant battle with excess water.
Yet mold will not necessarily make its presence known at once. It can be found in the most unassuming of places, under a floor or inside a cabinet, which is the importance of heeding the warning signs.
The Telltale Smell
Most often the first thing a homeowner will pick up on is the smell. A musty, earthy scent, some would call it stale or damp. You may notice it upon entering a room where otherwise everything appears in order.
The problem is the smell can be most pronounced in hard to see quarters like a closet on an outside wall, or in the basement and crawl space. When an odor lingers with nothing to account for it, chances are the mold is concealed.
What to Look For
Do not expect it to be black and fuzzy every time. There is a variety in the color and texture of mold. Be on the lookout for:
- Spots of any hue, be it white, green, gray or black, on grout or the walls
- Staining that appears to be getting worse
- Paint or wallpaper that is peeling or has started to bubble and crack
- Warping of the floors or walls
- Something of a film, powdery or slimy, in a wet spot
- Corrosion or rust about the pipes
One of these is indicative of the moisture that feeds mold, and more than likely there will be other evidence in the vicinity.
Symptoms in the Home
In some cases the body will be the first to register the spores in the air, particularly for anyone with allergies or of a sensitive constitution. If you or others in the household have a scratchy throat, watery eyes, a cough or headaches that abate when you are out and come back when you are in, the indoor air could be to blame. Asthma can also be aggravated.
Hiding Places
You will want to know where to direct your attention. In an Atlanta home trouble is apt to be found in:
- The bathroom, under the sink or by the shower
- Damp basements and crawl spaces
- Where condensation builds up on the windows
- The back of a refrigerator or washing machine
- An attic with a leak or little ventilation
Then there is old water damage. A leak you put to rights months back can still have enough residual moisture to let mold grow unseen.
Making a Call to a Pro
While you might manage to clean some surface mold on your own, a bigger problem or one that is recurrent is not something to put off. Any mold that is the result of water damage is a sign of a moisture source that has to be put to rest.
Fortress Leak Detection & Restoration is a local concern and we are familiar with the moisture and flooding issues one encounters in the Roswell area and beyond. We provide 24/7 emergency service and have financing available.
Do not let the matter get out of hand. Contact us at (470) 291-4099 and we will put you in a position to safeguard your home.