Your home could have mold, and you may not know about it until it becomes so bad that it causes health issues and visible damage. Even if your walls look good, mold can form behind drywall and often won't be visible until the structure of the wall begins to deteriorate or becomes saturated with moisture. By then, you may have to tear down the walls to find and fix the problem. Here are some signs, symptoms and causes of mold between the walls behind the drywall.

Signs of hidden mold in walls:

The first thing most homeowners notice when they suspect a mold problem is a distinct, musty, dirty smell in the room with the mold problem or when they walk into the home. You may even be able to narrow the smell down to the exact spot depending on how bad of a problem you have. Another sign is unexplained moisture stains or softness in the drywall. If you've been sicker than usual or your allergies have been particularly bad, especially in a particular room, then you may want to think about mold being the cause. Finally, if you see black spots forming on the wall, especially around the baseboards, then you probably have a serious mold problem.

Reasons for mold in the drywall:

Because drywall is partially made with paper, mold spores find it an easy source of fuel, especially when it is wet or damp for long periods. Mold growth is always a result of increased moisture, so if mold is forming, it's because there is either water in direct contact with the wall or the room is too humid or not well ventilated. Some rooms, such as a basement or bathroom, may be prone to higher condensation than other rooms. Other common causes of mold between walls is a leak in the pipes or roof that is dripping behind the drywall.

Remedies for mold in the walls:

All mold must be removed to stop its spread and damage. This may mean removing and replacing all affected drywall. In addition to that, you must also remedy the reason the mold is forming inside your walls. If the cause is high condensation, you may want to add a ceiling fan or extra window for ventilation. If there is a leak, you must have it repaired. You can also treat the replacement drywall to make it difficult for the walls to absorb moisture in the future. If you suspect mold in your home, have it checked out by a professional mold inspector. They will use tools to check for mold even if you can't see or smell it. They will also suggest solutions on how to deal with the problem.

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