How to tell if the dark spots on your wall are mold
Many homeowners assume that when dark stains begin to appear on their ceilings and walls, mold is to blame—but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, when the stain follows the pattern of the framework behind the drywall or on the ceilings, more than likely that what you have is something called ghosting.
Unlike mold, ghosting is caused by dust, smoke, soot, or other similar deposits. Think about the daily habits of your home. If you have a fireplace, smoke inside, or frequently light candles, these can all lead to stained images on your walls and ceiling over time. Ghosting occurs because those small particles attract to one another in areas where the room temperature may very slightly. Usually the room temperature changes around the wall framing, lights and outlets.
Mold patterns, on the other hand, are most commonly black, green, or brown in color and grow close to windows and showers where moisture is present. Although there are many different types of mold, none of them will grow without the help of moisture or wet areas.
If you think mold might be growing in your home, contact Paul Davis Lexington. We can come to your home and help you determine the exact problem. If it is in fact mold, and not ghosting, our team can safely get rid of it and give you tips for preventing its growth in the future.