Hidden mold is the worst. You think your home is environmentally safe, secure, and free from allergens and other problematic things like mold. But you have wallpaper in your bathroom. And over time, you notice a musty smell that’s getting stronger. You search the bathroom, sniffing different surfaces, until you discover that the walls have a distinct odor. You peel back a small portion of the wallpaper, and there, staring back at you, hidden mold behind wallpaper.

Mold behind wallpaper is actually common because the glue that holds the wallpaper on the wall also attracts organic materials, such as dust. Even if the organic particles that adhere to the glue are small, with other favorable conditions, such as moisture and the darkness behind wallpaper, mold will flourish. But mold is not always obvious, even in places where there is no wallpaper to hide it. It is important to do the following if you suspect you have mold hiding in your home or business:

1. Inspect the Property
Are there any water spots on your ceiling? Are any of your walls discolored or stained from old leaks? Is there any paint that’s cracked or peeling, or bubbles where wallpaper no longer sticks? All of these signs could point to mold behind wallpaper or drywall .

2. Check for Odors
Do any areas in your home have a musty smell or smell like mildew? Sometimes a strange odor will be the only sign pointing to a mold problem.

3. Take Note of Leaks
Have you had any flooding or leaks lately? Mold often shows up after a water loss, particularly if the affected areas were not properly dried, so this can be a significant clue.

4. Check the Gutters
Are your gutters blocked? Blocked gutters can cause water to back up and leak into the side of your property or into the basement.

5. Re-think Any Allergies or Illness
Mold often creates health issues for those living or working in a moldy home or business. Indoor mold has been linked to asthma, allergies, headaches, decreased concentration and agitation. And if your property is infected with toxic black mold, the effects can be more serious – even life threatening – causing damage to the organs, skin, and respiratory system, and/or resulting in infertility in some cases. If you’ve been experiencing these types of symptoms, particularly if they seem to get better when you leave your home or business, consider mold as the culprit.

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If after doing the above, you discover mold behind wallpaper, or that mold has taken up residence in another area of your property, contact Joe Taylor Restoration right away. Our trained technicians will utilize the latest technology and consult with certified environmental hygienists to determine the source and variety of the mold, as well as the extent of the damage. Then, we will work quickly and carefully to rid the environment of harmful airborne toxins, restoring your property to a healthy state.