Identifying Mould in a Friend’s House – What to Do?
Identifying a mould in a friend’s house can be a worst-case scenario for any friendship. Nobody wants to break such horrible news to some they love. Your declaration can lead to an awkward silence or create animosity in the relationship.
Yet, it’s difficult to overlook peeling paint, visible spore clusters, sagging ceilings, and musty smells when you visit them. The dangers of mould in living spaces can affect the structural integrity of their home and cause health problems. That’s why you should tactfully handle this situation to protect your friend (and their family) from a mouldy mess.
Here are some conversation starters to get the ball rolling:
#1. Did You Get the [Insert Plumbing Problem] Fixed?
Past flooding, burst pipes, leaks, and seepage are all common causes of mould in homes. Your friend might have fixed the leak, but the area beneath it might still be damp. Prolonged moisture buildup in dark places can turn into breeding grounds for fungal growth when the problem goes undetected. That’s why there’s a chance that your friend’s mouldy problem begins as a plumbing issue.
Make a throwback comment to the previous incident. Find out how your friend dealt with it or whether they continue to experience recurring plumbing issues. Take a cue from their reply to mention the possible consequences of mould growth after water damage. You can then advise them to hire professionals to conduct a preventive mould inspection test to “be on the safe side.”
#2. I Read This Interesting Article on Home Improvement…
Hidden signs of mould in homes isn’t a conversation you can have over tea.
Nevertheless, you can find a way to drop subtle hints by discussing home renovation and remodelling ideas. Tell them how a distant cousin or neighbour discovered mould in an unlikely place while they were remodelling. Alternatively, you can forward a couple of informative articles or messages that focus on such incidents.
Once again, you can tell your friend that they should schedule a mould inspection test.
Better yet, tell them you’re considering a consultancy with local mould remediation experts and would they be interested in a referral. The odds are that your friend might agree because you’ve already shared the dangers of the mould with them by weaving an interesting narrative around the situation.
#3. Have You Considered Getting a Home Appraisal?
Identifying mould in a friend’s house can result in an embarrassing situation. You’re indirectly commenting on their house maintenance habits and cleanliness. If you can’t inform them yourself, get a third-party involved.
Trained technicians know how to detect visible and hidden signs of mould. They are also less likely to create a scene when a stranger (or expert) breaks the news. Plus, professionals know how to point these things tactfully with suggestions to minimize the dangers of mould.
You can bring them into the picture by emphasizing the importance of professional property valuation for old and new homes. This dialogue works well for friends who might already search for a new home or have recently inherited an old house.
#4. You Look Under the Weather Lately. What’s Wrong?
Mould exposure impacts health by triggering allergies and causing breathing issues. If your friend lives in a mouldy home, they might exhibit physical symptoms. These include:
- Shortness of breath
- Watery eyes
- Fever
- Migraines
- Nosebleeds
- Sneezing
Your friend or family member might experience a deterioration in health due to the presence. If the problem persists, it can result in chronic illnesses. Ask them whether their primary healthcare physician has suggested the reason behind the recurring illness. Then share your concerns about the mould by quoting medical journals and articles that mention their symptoms.
What Next?
911 Restoration of Calgary provides industry-grade mould inspection test services and remediation plans. Our IICRC-certified team conducts a detailed diagnostic test to assess the situation.
The reports reveal the type of mould growth, location of target sites, and severity of structural damage with special attention to how widespread the situation has become. They use this information to develop individualized strategies to deal with the problem. These are followed by comprehensive mould remediation services that cover:
- Mould removal and cleanup
- Sanitization to eliminate germs and contaminants
- Deodorization to remove the foul musty, mouldy smell that lingers long after the mould gets cleared
- Repair and reconstruction of mould-damaged structural elements and furnishing
If possible, we assist homeowners by helping them collect evidence to apply for mould damage restoration coverage. Having certified professionals as witnesses can increase the chance of being reimbursed for mould-related property loss.
In a Nutshell
Identifying mould in a friend’s house can be an unpleasant experience for you. Staying silent can put your friend and their home at risk. That’s why you should try to drop hints or point out the situation as it is to ensure that they take the necessary steps to mitigate the situation.
If the problem persists, look for trustworthy mould remediation specialists who might intervene without crossing any boundaries.
Contact 911 Restoration of Calgary for further assistance.
