Mold refers to natural microbes that are beneficial to the environment when occurring outside homes. However, their growth inside homes should be controlled and prevented to avoid harm to your health and damage to your belongings.

Molds usually spread inside the house when spores carry them through the air and deposit them on wet items. The mold spores are invisible to naked eye, but careful inspection of suspected problem areas can help in preventing their growth. Moisture, dampness, and humidity are the major reasons due to which mold grow in homes. Lack of air flow can be a major contributing factor to the excessive moisture needed to sustain mold growth.

The major reasons  for the growth of mold in homes are as follows:

Wet Materials:

Since moisture is the major reason behind the growth of mold, leaving wet clothes or other cloth materials can result in mold growth. Wet clothes should be immediately dried and not left to sit. Carpets, rugs and furniture that has been exposed to excessive moisture also need to be dried promptly prevent mold from growing.

Water Leaks:

Leaking water from faucets or pipes should be checked carefully to detect damages in the surrounding materials. Since water pipesare hidden inside walls it may be hard to see signs of mold that is growing on adjacent wood or building materials. Water leaks increase the chance of mold growth significantly and must be repaired quickly to prevent damage. Whenever water stains appear on walls, ceilings, or other interior locations, you should not postpone having a qualified inspector evaluate the need for repairs and mold remediation.

Improper Air Ventilation:

Lack of air ventilation can lead to the growth of mold within homes. Daily activities like bathing, cooking meals, washing clothes, watering plants, and cleaning the house introduce large amounts of water into the inside of your home.  Proper ventilation must be in place to help eliminate moisture build up. Wet places like bathrooms will take more time to dry due to lack of ventilation and should have exhaust fans in place to help dissipate the moisture.

Humidity Level:

Inside humidity of greater than 55% will allow the growth of mold. Excess humidity can be caused by water vapors rising from concrete floors or crawl spaces. A dehumidifier can be a suitable solution to help with this issue. Most homes have centralized heating and air conditioning systems that will help to keep the humidity in check. The HVAC system should be serviced regularly to assure that it is performing properly to aid in controlling humidity.

Frequent Flooding:

If your house is often flooded, then there is high chance that mold is already growing in your home. Basements,  furniture, and carpets are often left damp under such situations and need to be cleaned and dried or replaced to prevent mold growth. It takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow, therefore the house should be dried immediately after a flood.

The growth of mold in homes is an issue that can be solved. If you suspect that you have a mold issue, you should seek the help of a professional. For help with air mold testing supplies and analysis, please get in touch with us today. SanAir Technologies Laboratory conducts sampling and testing of all hazardous materials present in your environment. Call us at 804-897-1177 or visit www.sanair.com for further details.