Signs Every Renter In Chicago Needs To Know About Mold Damage In Their Apartment

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City, we can resolve mold infestation in your apartment.

How First Time Renters Can Find Out If Their Chicago Apartment Has Mold

Mold is a fungus which decomposes dead organic matter. It spreads by releasing spores in the air, similar to a dandelion. When the spores find a suitable surface in a Chicago apartment, a mold colony can grow. Prolonged exposure to mold and the spores leads to health effects. To avoid a rental with mold damage, take a few minutes to look out for signs. Here are signs to look for as you hunt for an apartment.

Stale Odor
No one wants to imagine mold damage in Chicago is present even in a rental. Not only can it ruin the drywall but colonies can grow to cause serious health effects. As you hunt for an apartment, pay extra attention to areas with high humidity. They include crawlspaces, bathrooms and under the kitchen sink. If you detect the presence of a musty smell, it means a mold colony is growing there.

Brown Stain On Your Ceiling
If you spot brown stains on your ceiling or interior walls, the cause is a roof leak or HVAC unit. Here is how it happens. The leaking roof slowly drips water over a period of time. After the water dries, a yellow stain appears. Aging pipes can leak too. As you know, ceilings contain organic material. If other conditions favor, a colony can start to grow. If not detected, it can lead to mold damage.

Bubbled Floors Or Walls
Laminate flooring expands and contracts with moisture. This is due to the presence of moisture in the air. Under normal conditions, the level of humidity in a home is 30% or less. If higher than 60%, it means too much moisture is in the air. If measures are not taken to improve air circulation in the house, bubbling can occur on the plank’s edges. Moisture causes this as it seeps into the floor via the joints. As a new renter, learning more about the signs of mold damage can save you.

At SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City, we can resolve mold infestation in your apartment. Our process is simple – inspection, assessment, and remediation. If you have any questions pertaining to mold, call our 24/7 emergency line at (773) 337-3993.

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