Our good friend and regular contributor Joel McDonald sends in the following:

Black mold can be hazardous to your health. The worst part about it is that it could be growing in your home without you even knowing it. That's because it grows in some unnoticeable places. The important thing is to find it before it gets out of control so you can stop it from spreading. Here are the five most common places where black mold tends to grow within a home so you can do some investigating for yourself.

Wallpaper
Your wallpaper could possibly be a breeding ground for black mold spores. Many types of wallpaper glue tend to attract organic materials and dust particles that feed black mold and help it spread.

Ceilings
A home's ceiling could have a large amount of black mold as a result of moisture or a leaky roof. If this goes unchecked, you could have a huge area of black mold in your ceiling that continues to grow. Check your ceiling and roof periodically for leaks or water damage. If you see either one, look around for mold immediately to stop it before it spreads.

Basement
Most basements are damp. That's just their nature because of where they are. That's why it's common to find black mold in your basement. Mold can grow on wooden materials in your basement. In addition to causing health problems, this can also weaken the structure and of your home and reduce its stability.

Drywall
Since mold often grows within your home's walls, drywall is a great place to start looking for it. Drywall that has experienced moisture or dampness is subject to mold. The mold can also spread rather quickly along the drywall. You can usually see this by noticing if the paint on the drywall cracks or peels. If you find a piece of drywall with mold on it, the only way to fix the problem is replace all affected parts of the drywall with new pieces.

Window Frames
The area around your windows is a major place to find growing mold. Since cold and warm air meet here and there is often moisture surrounding the windows, mold can grow exponentially in these areas. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to inspect your window frames for toxic black mold. You essentially need to look within the seal to see if anything is growing. If your windows are drafty, it may be smart to get them replaced. This can prevent the growth of future mold, and help lower your energy bills. Consult a professional like Roofs By Rodger for all of your window needs.

Black mold isn't something to take lightly. For some, it can cause allergic reactions, asthma, skin rashes and even lung inflammation. Others have reported experiencing fever and wheezing as a result of living with black mold. That's why it's so important to catch it before it spreads too far. Just keep an eye on the moisture in your home and black mold shouldn't be a problem for you.

Content provided by Automated Homefinder, the Colorado Castle Rock real estate professionals.