The Causes of Mold | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sioux Falls is here for your when you need mold removed!

Mold feels like one of those words that you should only whisper in secret. It can quickly cause a little bit of panic in any homeowner’s heart when the topic of potential mold growth comes up in conversations.

Mold actually grows everywhere, though, and is always present in the air outside, too. But it can quickly become a problem when it begins to hang out and spread, and it can even leave your home dealing with structural issues.

Understanding what causes mold is the best way to take preventive steps against it. Most everyone knows that mold and moisture are best buds, but get to know some of the other factors that could lead to a mold problem so you can stop the spread.

The Main Causes

Mold thrives in dark and damp atmospheres, but it can also grow just about anywhere. In your home, attics, bathrooms, kitchens and basements are the most vulnerable to rapid and damaging mold growth.

Moisture and organic materials are required for mold to grow and spread, but there are a few other things you should look for when you are investigating for potential mold development.

1. Poor ventilation. Rooms with high levels of humidity are at risk for mold growth when the moisture in the air has nowhere to Bathrooms and kitchen commonly have this problem, but any room in your home that lacks air flow can be at risk. Uneven temperatures in your home can also lead to an increase in humidity.

2. Leaks. This one might feel a little more obvious, but did you know that a leak the size of a pinhole can waste between two and 20 gallons of water a day? Leaks under appliances or sinks can often go unnoticed, creating a moist environment perfect for mold development.

3. Condensation. Water droplets that form on pipes, appliances or air vents create a good atmosphere for mold growth. Like with small leaks in water lines running under appliances, condensation often goes unnoticed until it becomes a much bigger problem.

Preventive Steps

The good news is that even with these often overlooked mold-prone areas, there are steps you can take to keep your home protected and stop growth before damage is done. A little regular maintenance can go a long way in avoiding costly repairs.

Pull your appliances with water lines out and away from the wall every few months. Look for mold on walls near the appliance and under it, and check to make sure there are no drips or soft spots in the floor.

Update the ventilation in your bathrooms and kitchens to ensure moist air has somewhere to go. Even just opening a window after a shower or while you cook can help prevent excess moisture. Maintaining a steady temperature in your home is another helpful way to stop mold before it can start.

Mold really isn’t a dirty word, and it really isn’t something we should fear either. The more you understand about how it forms and what to do about it, the safer your home will stay.

Have you spotted mold in your home? Contact us for fast remediation.