What Are the Signs of Mould and Moisture in Your Home?

Home, sweet home! It's your sanctuary, your cosy corner, your safe haven. But what happens when uninvited guests like mould, bacteria and moisture decide to crash the party? Ignoring these intruders can lead to health nightmares and structural catastrophes. Unfortunately, it's not as straightforward as spotting visible mould (I wish I learnt that sooner!); we need to train our eyes to detect the subtler signs of water damage that can hint at hidden issues. But don't sweat it; I've got your back. Let's dive into some of the telltale signs that mould and moisture might be lurking in your home, ready to be addressed.

1. Musty Odours:

A persistent musty odour is one of the first signs of mould and moisture. It's that damp, earthy smell that lingers no matter how much air freshener you use. What you're smelling are microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). If your nose is picking up a musty odour, it means there's mould in the environment, and it's time to investigate.

2. Visible Mould Growth:

Mould can show up in a range of colours, including black, white, green, and even pink. "Black mould" (Stachybotrys) can sometimes look pink, so colour alone isn't a reliable indicator of its threat. If you see those fuzzy patches, that's mould waving a big red flag that something is amiss. However, mould is often hidden and not visible in the environment.

3. Water Stains and Discolouration:

Water stains often appear as irregularly shaped, darker patches, much like those tea-coloured stains commonly seen on ceiling tiles. They can show up on ceilings, walls, and floors. You might also notice bubbling or peeling paint, indicating moisture trapped behind the surface. Don't ignore these blemishes—they signal that urgent repairs are needed.

4. Peeling Wallpaper and Paint:

When wallpaper peels or paint begins to bubble and crack, it's usually due to moisture. Excess moisture in walls can cause wallpaper adhesive to weaken and paint to lose its adhesion. If you spot imperfections on your walls, it's time to investigate further because trapped moisture can pave the way for mould growth, spreading beneath the wallpaper and infiltrating the wall materials.  

5. Damp or Warping Floors:

If you notice staining, delamination, or dampness in your carpet, or if your hard flooring or skirting boards show signs of warping, lifting, or buckling, it could be a sign of underlying moisture issues. Hidden mould can grow under flooring materials and within the carpet due to leaks, water spills, or prolonged high humidity. Check the smooth edge (timber strip) at the edge of the carpet, especially where it adjoins wet areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms, for signs of staining or rusting, as these can indicate water damage. To inspect this, you'll need to pull back the carpet slightly—be sure to wear a mask, as this can expose you to large amounts of fungal particulate. If you have CIRS, it's best to have someone else do this for you.

6. Condensation on Windows:

While some condensation on windows can be normal, excessive moisture on the inside of your windows, pipes or walls indicates high humidity levels in your home. This can be especially noticeable in the winter months. Check for persistent condensation, as it not only fosters mould growth in the affected area but also hints at elevated humidity levels throughout the house, potentially promoting mould growth elsewhere. It's crucial to address the root causes of condensation, such as high humidity, single-glazed windows, lack of insulation, or poor ventilation - but in the meantime, make sure to wipe down any condensation you find instead of leaving it to dry.

7. Warped or Sagging Walls and Ceilings:

Water damage can cause your walls and ceilings to warp or sag. This is a serious sign of significant water accumulation. If you notice any unusual changes in the shape or texture of your walls and ceilings, it's essential to act quickly to prevent further damage.

8. Clogged or poorly maintained gutters

Visibly clogged, dripping, or poorly maintained gutters are often a red flag for potential water damage. Clogged gutters have a knack for causing water to back up and overflow, which can lead to water seeping into the roof cavity, fostering water damage and mould growth. Over time, if left unaddressed, these issues can compromise the structural integrity of your roof and walls. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to regularly clear gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris that obstruct water flow. Additionally, ensuring that downspouts are properly aligned and attached directs water away from the home, preventing water from pooling against the foundation. Similarly, the presence of water ponding on your roof or missing roof tiles can also indicate potential issues in the upper section of your home and warrants attention.

9. Health Symptoms in Humans:

Sometimes, the signs of mould and moisture aren't visible; they're physical. Mould exposure can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, skin irritation, and worsening asthma. But it doesn't stop there; lesser-known symptoms like brain fog, digestive distress, sleep disturbances, muscle aches and more can also arise due to triggering of the immune system in susceptible people (known as CIRS). If you or your family are experiencing unexplained health issues, checking the environment is important.

10. Health Symptoms in Pets Pets can also be affected by mould. If your pets show signs of respiratory distress, such as sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge or laboured breathing, or other health symptoms that are unexplained, mould exposure could be the cause.

11. Rusty Metal Fixtures:

Moisture can cause metal fixtures to rust and deteriorate. Check areas like your kitchen and bathrooms for rusty pipes, hinges, and metal fittings. Rust is a clear indication that there's excess moisture in the air or that water is leaking somewhere.

12. Increase in Pest Activity:

Insects like cockroaches, ants, silverfish and termites love moist environments. If you notice an increase in pest activity, it could indicate either water damage or excessively high humidity levels in your home. Addressing excess moisture can help mitigate pest problems and maintain a healthy living environment.

Preventing and Addressing Mould Problems

To prevent mould from becoming a hidden contaminant in your home, take proactive measures such as:

Controlling Humidity Levels: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to keep indoor humidity below 60%. Excessive water vapour in the air fosters favourable conditions for mould growth, especially on soft furnishings.

Fixing Leaks Promptly: Address any plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or other sources of water intrusion immediately. Mould can grow in as little as 24-48 hours on a wet surface.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to vent excess humidity to the outdoors, and ensure your home is well-ventilated.

Regular Inspections: Routinely check areas prone to moisture, such as subfloors, attics, bathrooms, laundries and behind appliances, for signs of mould or water damage.

Detecting mould, water damage, and moisture early can save you a lot of trouble and expense down the road. Make it a habit to routinely check your home for these signs, paying close attention to areas susceptible to dampness. If you find any issues, you'll need to address them promptly. Keeping your home dry and mould-free will ensure it remains a healthy, happy place for you and your family.