I've noticed some dark spots along the bottom of the wall and up a stud in my garage (check out the image I linked). I'm a bit worried about what this could be. Is this a sign of water damage or mold, and should I be taking it seriously?
3 Answers
It’s good that it doesn’t feel damp! If it had a wet or musty smell, that’d be a major concern. But even if it looks like there's some moisture, it might just be condensation, especially with the heat this summer and the cooler basement. Still, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
Here’s a closer view of similar spots I dealt with in my place. If the areas don’t expand or change color, you might be okay. Just keep monitoring and if it ever feels damp or starts spreading, you might want to consult a pro!
Those dark spots could indicate something was wet at some point. Check if there are any pipes or HVAC running through that wall. Since part of it is a basement, maybe the cooler temp is causing some condensation against the warmer air coming from the garage. It’s worth keeping an eye on, but no need to panic just yet!

Thanks for the reassurance! I'll definitely monitor it closely.