What Are The Most Common Causes Of Mold In The House?

Mold is unpleasant and may be located in any indoor environment. Therefore, it is in your best interest to learn what causes mold in a house or building so you can prevent it. Furthermore, mold can give off a stench and, in some cases, lead to health problems.

Mold usually has a velvet-like texture and may be brown or dark green. It can form on ceilings, by the shower, or anywhere else at home. Understanding the most common sources of mold will therefore help you maintain a healthy home environment.

Briefly, the most common conditions for mold growth are as follows:

• Darkness (mold can’t grow in ultraviolet light)
• Moisture
• Warmth
• Something for mold to eat at like wood, drywall, or cotton
• Oxygen
• Time (24-48 hours in the right conditions are all it takes)
• Mold spores

Common Causes of Residential Mold Growth

• Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes are among the most common reasons for mold growth. A water leak causes ceilings or walls to have water damage. Moist and damp areas will eventually turn into mold and spread if left untreated. 

• Flooding

A flooded home will take weeks to dry—far beyond the 24 hours mold needs to start forming. Flooding often produces a specific species of mold called Stachybotrys chartarum (a.k.a. “black mold”), which is toxic. It requires cleaning experts to test, inspect, and remove safely.

• Humidity

Humid conditions are also conducive to mold growth. Mold due to humidity typically forms under the kitchen sink, in dark closets, and more.

This type of mold is more common if you live by the ocean or another large body of water. High humidity, paired with poor ventilation, will increase the chance of mold growing in your home.

• Condensation Buildup

Some homes may have condensation buildup on surfaces due to temperature changes in the winter. Concrete surfaces, brick walls, metal piping, and floor tiles are areas where condensation may build up. Ventilate such rooms to remove the condensation so mold won’t grow.

• Damp Basement

Basements have higher levels of moisture since they are below ground level. If there is also high humidity and a lack of poor air circulation, mold will most likely grow. These damp conditions are practically an invitation for mold growth. 

• Leaking Roof

A damaged roof that causes water to leak inside the home will lead to moisture in the ceiling. Over time, this could lead to mold growing indoors. Check the tiles and the attic for any potential leakage to stop mold growth.

• Water at the Foundation

Rainwater buildup and garden moisture around the base of your home may lead to moisture problems. Slope the yard away from the foundation to prevent any water from accumulating. 

You can also contact a landscaping professional to help grade your yard. Another option is to dig out rain channels to lead water away from your house.

• Damp Clothing

If you decide to wash clothing or other fabric items and not dry them as soon as possible, they could become mold problems. Having wet clothes lying around will create mold in your house, so it is best to dry them quickly.

Mold Remediation and Prevention Tips

In order to prevent mold from forming in the first place, our specialists recommend doing the following:

• Use vapor barriers to stop water from reaching the walls and ceilings.
• Open windows in areas that do not have good air circulation.
• Keep humidity levels down. Do not let the humidity go above 50%. Check the humidity levels often and use an air dehumidifier to help keep them down.
• Try to completely dry your home after flooding within 24-48 hours.
• Buy and use mold-killing products to clean hotspots in your house.
• Fix any leaks in your house. These may be caused by plumbing issues, roof leaks, or walls. 
• Remove or replace wet carpets or upholstery. These materials don’t always dry right away, so removing and drying them out as soon as possible is better. 
• Don’t place carpets in rooms that create and hold a lot of moisture, such as basements or bathrooms. Instead, buy rugs designed to absorb water, and that are easy to clean.

Prevention and knowing what causes mold in a house are beneficial strategies for saving money on professional treatments. However, some molds can be very toxic, and the damages can be more severe. That is why we recommend erring on the side of caution by contacting your local mold restoration business to help you safely inspect and remove any mold from your home.

Call Pride Restoration for the Best Mold Removal Service

Our company specializes in mold removal services. We have a knowledgeable and experienced team to help you inspect and safely remove any apparent mold. In the event that you experience a mold problem, you can depend on us to respond quickly. Contact Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc at (314) 463-4411 for mold removal services in St. Louis, MO.