How Do I Check If I Have Mold In My Walls?

Think you might have mold hiding in your walls? You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Covington and Northern Kentucky face the same worry—especially after water damage, plumbing leaks, or during humid months. Mold can be a sneaky problem, thriving out of sight but impacting your air quality, health, and even your home’s structure. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common signs of hidden mold, the tools professionals use to detect it, and how A+ Restoration can help with expert mold testing services.

Let’s dive into how to check for mold in your walls, what to look for, and when to call in a pro.

1. Signs of Mold Growing Behind Your Walls

Mold doesn’t always show up in obvious spots—it’s a master at hiding. But your home gives off warning signs if you know what to look for.

Common signs mold might be lurking behind your walls:

• Musty odors – That earthy, damp smell is a major red flag.
• Discolored or warped drywall – Water stains, bubbling, or buckling can all point to mold growth.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper – Moisture behind the wall loosens adhesives.
• Respiratory symptoms – Sneezing, coughing, or worsening asthma when indoors could be mold-related.
• Visible mold around outlets or baseboards – If it’s peeking out, more is likely hiding.

Pro Tip: If your home has experienced water damage, especially from flooding or a burst pipe, mold could start growing within 24–48 hours.

Explore our water damage cleanup services if you’ve recently had leaks or flooding.

2. How to Test for Mold Inside Walls Without Tearing Them Down

You don’t have to rip your drywall open to confirm mold. There are safer, cleaner ways to test for it.

Homeowners can try:

1. Moisture Meters – These devices detect dampness inside walls, which could mean mold is present.
2. Infrared Cameras – Thermal imaging shows cold spots where moisture collects.
3. DIY Mold Test Kits – Some kits collect air samples to detect mold spores in your home’s atmosphere.
4. Drill and Sniff Test – A small hole drilled near the suspected area can help professionals smell for mold or take a wall cavity air sample.

That said, DIY testing isn’t always reliable. Mold can be tricky, and tests can miss hidden colonies. For peace of mind and accuracy, bring in a certified mold remediation team like A+ Restoration.

3. Health Symptoms That May Point to Mold in Walls

Your body might start reacting before your eyes notice a thing. Mold exposure affects everyone differently, but some symptoms are more common than others.

Watch for these health issues:

• Chronic sneezing or coughing indoors
• Itchy eyes, skin rashes, or sinus headaches
• Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms at home
• Fatigue or brain fog that improves when you leave the house

If symptoms improve when you’re away and worsen at home, there’s a good chance your indoor air quality is compromised.

“Can mold in walls make you sick?”
Yes. Prolonged exposure to mold, especially black mold, can lead to serious respiratory problems, allergies, and other health complications—particularly for children, the elderly, or anyone with pre-existing conditions.

4. What Causes Mold Inside Walls?

Understanding the root cause of mold helps prevent future outbreaks. It’s not just about moisture—it’s about trapped moisture.

Common culprits include:

• Leaking pipes or appliances – Plumbing issues behind walls can go unnoticed.
• Poor ventilation – Bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms that aren’t well-ventilated are mold hotspots.
• Roof or siding damage – Water sneaks in and gets trapped in wall cavities.
• Flooding or storm damage – Even after cleanup, moisture can linger deep in walls.

Once mold finds a moist, dark environment, it spreads fast. That’s why it’s so important to deal with water damage promptly and thoroughly.

Check out our flood and storm damage cleanup to learn how we prevent mold before it starts.

5. What To Do If You Suspect Mold in Your Walls

If you suspect mold, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. The longer it sits, the more damage it can cause to your health and your home.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Don’t disturb it – Cutting or tearing into walls can release harmful spores.
2. Call a certified mold remediation company – Professionals like A+ Restoration have the tools and training to remove mold safely.
3. Fix the source of moisture – Whether it’s a leak, poor insulation, or flood damage, address the root issue.
4. Dehumidify your home – Especially in humid months, a dehumidifier can make your home less inviting for mold.

“How do professionals check for mold in walls?”
Experts use infrared cameras, moisture meters, and air quality testing to detect mold without invasive damage. They also inspect your home’s history of leaks and humidity to determine the likelihood of mold growth.

Suspect Mold in Your Walls? Call the Covington Mold Cleanup Pros

Don’t let hidden mold damage your health or your home. A+ Restoration is here for homeowners in Covington, KY and the surrounding areas who need fast, thorough, and certified mold remediation. Whether it’s mold cleanup, storm damage, or water restoration, our team handles it all—so you can breathe easier.

📞 Call 859-568-5284
🌐 Visit aplusrestoration.org
📍 Or find us on Google Maps

Let’s kick mold out of your walls—for good