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Top 6 Causes of Mold Growth in Homes

Name: Exit Mold
Address: 1 Irwin Ct., Lynbrook, New York, 11563, United States
Telephone: (516) 512-7877

Mold is a natural part of our world, and it is found all over our community. In the right situation, it is a vital part of the world’s ecosystem. It helps break down and decompose organic material and produces necessary nutrients for our ecosystems.

However, just because mold is vital to many different natural processes, that doesn’t mean that it is welcome in your home. Indoor mold can be hazardous, dangerous and frustrating to deal with.

Knowing what causes mold growth and what to do about it can help reduce your risk of experiencing a mold infestation. Let’s dive into what causes mold infestations to take hold in your home and what to do about it below.

1. Floods

Floods are known to bring a large amount of water into your home in a short period of time. As water rushes into your basement and lowest levels, it can cause damage to your walls, floors, and ceiling in just a few minutes.

Floods can be caused by many different situations:

Burst pipes
Severe weather and intense rain
Broken levees or dams
Overflowing rivers or lakes

Once your property becomes overwhelmed by flood water, it is essential that you handle your flood water cleanup immediately. The longer the water is left unaddressed, the higher the chance that mold will start to grow.

Mold spores are attracted to dark, damp areas of your home, which is exactly what your home becomes after a flood. The trouble with floods is that they often cause widespread areas of your home to become damp, which increases the risk of a widespread mold infestation instead of remaining in a small or contained area.

2. Humidity Problems

Since mold loves damp areas, humidity issues become a large factor when it comes to mold infestations. Every home should have moist air to make the air more comfortable to breathe, but too much moisture is never a good thing. Humid weather, frequent cooking and hot showers all produce moisture, and that excess moisture can linger in your home for longer than it should.

As that moisture builds up in your bathrooms, kitchen and attic, mold spores will become attracted to these areas and infestations become more common. To combat this, try to keep the humidity levels in your home between 35-55% and use dehumidifiers when necessary to pull that excess moisture from your living spaces.

3.Unchecked Water Leaks

Water flows in and out of your home whenever you turn on a tap, run a bath for your kids or cook dinner for your family. While you can appreciate the convenience of having running water whenever you need it, having it right at your fingertips increases the risk of water leaks and water damage issues every day.

Pipes, faucets and fixtures like tubs, toilets and sinks all have the ability to leak at a moment’s notice. If a tap is left on, a drain is clogged or a seal is deteriorating, water can quickly leak into a problematic location in your home.

The unfortunate reality of pipe leaks is that they often start in areas of your home that aren’t easily accessible on a regular basis. Pipes that run behind your walls or under your floors can cause moisture to linger in areas that don’t experience proper ventilation.

Stagnant air and lingering moisture combine to create the perfect environment for mold colonies to start and grow.

4. Improper Ventilation

While it is important to have your home sealed against the elements, all homes do need to breathe in order to stay healthy. Proper ventilation is key to keep air moving and to keep stagnant or humid air from building up in your home. Open up your windows and doors when applicable and keep fans running in high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

It is also a good idea to check the ventilation in your attic. Most attics are designed to move air passively, but adding an attic fan can help move hot, humid air out of your home while also replacing it with cooler, drier air.

You also can’t forget about your dryer vents! Cleaning them regularly allows the hot air to exit your home safely while also ensuring that excess moisture is removed from your air in the process.

5. Leaky Roofs

You rely on your roof every single day to keep your home safe and dry. It works hard to keep out the elements, which means it can suffer damage over the years. The smallest gap along your roof line, a broken shingle or even the slightest sag can invite water into your attic, which can leak down your walls. It can also linger in the hot, humid air, which is a recipe for a massive mold problem.

Checking your roof regularly for signs of damage is a great way to stop a potential leak before it even starts. If you do notice signs of water damage in your attic, address the issue right away to prevent a larger mold problem down the road.

6. Basement or Foundation Issues

Chances are that there is at least one room in your basement that you don’t venture to very often. Whether that is just your utility room or your entire unfinished level, the chances of a mold infestation in this area of your home is high due to bad ventilation, cool, damp air, and the risk of water leaks during rainstorms.

As moisture lingers in your basement spaces, mold can quickly become a problem. Consider installing a sump pump, utilize your dehumidifier, and make sure to inspect your basement and your foundation regularly for cracks and leaks.

What To Do About Mold Growth

If you do discover an infestation, don’t panic! Mold is a common problem for homeowners, and there is a solution to the problem. Simply call up a mold remediation team to handle the infestation for you safely and expertly.

A professional mold remediation team will have the right PPE to stay safe in any mold situation and they will have the training necessary to contain the colony, stop the spread and eliminate the infestation without compromising your home any further.

Afterwards, your home can even undergo some quick repairs if the mold damaged your walls, floors or ceiling. A quick mold remediation is just a single phone call away.

Let the team at Exit Mold help you overcome a mold infestation! Call us today at (516) 512-7877 to chat with one of our mold remediation professionals.

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