Clues that justify a closer look
- A known plumbing or roof leak inside a wall or ceiling assembly.
- Persistent musty odor with no obvious surface source.
- Recurring staining after repainting or cleaning.
- Soft, swollen, or deteriorated building materials.
- Visible growth around penetrations, baseboards, cabinet backs, or ceiling edges.
Avoid unnecessary disturbance
Opening walls or aggressively disturbing suspect materials can spread dust and contamination. The right approach depends on the project scope and whether independent assessment is required.