How to Tell if Mold is Old vs. New Growth (Plus, Tips to Prevent Mold at Home)

Finding mold in your home is never a happy discovery, especially when unsure if it's a recent infestation or an old issue resurfacing. Given the widely shared concerns about toxic black mold and potential health risks, taking the time to determine if your discovery is new or old is the first step as you make a plan to address and manage the affected areas.

How do you tell if mold damage is new?

Spotting new vs. old mold damage can be tricky, but here are some clues:

• Color and Texture: Fresh toxic molds are often slimy and bright, while older, dead mold can appear dry and powdery, with hues ranging from yellow to black.
• Odor: New mold colonies tend to have a stronger, musty smell, while older mold might have a milder scent.
• Moisture Source: Check for recent water damage or leaks; if found, the mold is likely new.
• Visible Growth: Sudden or rapid mold growth during inspections could signal new contamination.
• Documentation: Compare current conditions to past records to assess if mold is recent.

Regardless of presumed age, address all types of mold promptly to avoid health and structural issues. When in doubt, consult a mold inspector and remediation expert for accurate assessment. During a mold inspection, professionals can analyze mold spores to determine the age of mold, and help you understand if it's inactive mold or a breed that's experiencing active mold growth.

Why is mold damage bad for homeowners?

Mold damage presents a multitude of challenges for homeowners.

1. Triggers poor health. All mold activity–especially black mold exposure–can pose significant health risks. It may not even be visible mold, but it can still create airborne spores. Symptoms of mold exposure can present as allergies, eye irritation, and shortness of breath, particularly in individuals with vulnerable immune systems, and potentially leading to more severe health complications with prolonged exposure.
2. Causes structural damage. It can deteriorate materials like wood and drywall, potentially compromising the safety of the home and necessitating costly repairs.
3. Impacts property value. It can dramatically reduce the property's value, deterring potential buyers and complicating the selling process.
4. Challenging to remove. Existing mold growth leaves an unsightly appearance on surfaces like walls and ceilings, even persisting after remediation efforts.
5. Legal and insurance issues. Dealing with mold problems can lead to legal and insurance issues, as coverage for mold damage may be limited or excluded from standard homeowner's insurance policies, potentially resulting in legal disputes, particularly if negligence is a factor.