Top 7 Causes of Mold Growth in a House
6 min read
Mold is an essential component in nature as it helps break down organic matter to return nutrients to the environment. While this function benefits the environment, it can be detrimental to your property.
When mold grows indoors, it slowly eats away at your home’s building materials, threatening its structural integrity. This is a massive problem for homeowners, especially since mold growth in Kansas City not only damages your property but also presents several health hazards.
Basically, mold needs three things to grow: food, oxygen, and water. Oxygen is abundant in the atmosphere, while food is always available on the surface on which it attaches. This means it only needs a steady water supply to grow.
As a crucial step in the mold remediation process, we will look into the top sources of moisture around your home as the leading causes of microbial growth. This will help you stage sufficient interventions that ensure the complete removal of mold from your property.
Persistent Humidity
Humidity is the measure of the amount of moisture present in the air in the form of water vapor. Essentially, the higher the humidity, the more water is present in the air.
Mold thrives in humid environments due to the abundance of moisture in the air. Since some areas around your home tend to be more humid, mold will also proliferate in these environments, including basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
Pipe Leak
Leaking pipes can cause a variety of issues around your home. Aside from water intrusion leading to significant water damage, it can also cause mold growth in Kansas City. This is why it’s always essential to identify and repair leaks quickly.
If you suspect a leak in your home, follow these tips to locate the leak immediately:
- Look for signs of water damage, such as damp spots, warping, or watermarks near the walls or floors.
- Check your lawn for patches of grass that are greener than others.
- Inspect the areas underneath your appliances, furniture, or fixtures.
- Listen for dripping sounds inside the walls or ceiling.
- Seek professional help from a plumber or restoration company for assistance.
The sooner you can detect the source of the leak, the sooner you will be able to repair the problem. This will also mitigate the damage to your home and prevent microbial growth from becoming a significant outbreak.
Leaking Roof
An overwhelming majority of homeowners think that leaking from your roof is just a structural problem. However, the slow, constant ingress of water through the leak can also lead to many safety and health risks, from the slow accumulation of structural damage to the rapid growth of mold.
Such devastation often occurs when you fail to fix roof leaks immediately. This is why you must take quick and efficient measures to address roof leaks as quickly as possible. This will bring down the cost of roof repairs as well as water damage restoration and mold remediation immensely.
Condensation Build-up
Condensation buildup is a common issue in most homes, causing significant mold growth in Kansas City. This occurs when the temperature difference between moist air and cold surfaces, such as walls, windows, and pipes, is sufficient to cause the moisture to turn into water droplets on the surface. This creates a desirable environment for mold to grow.
To minimize or eliminate condensation, it’s best to take steps to reduce humidity levels in the room. You can do this by:
- Using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
- Installing a heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system to control humidity levels at home.
- Installing an exhaust fan to increase ventilation.
- Opening windows to introduce airflow.
Poor Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in the circulation of fresh, clean air inside your home. Since it triggers air movement, it is also critical in preventing the spread of allergens and balancing humidity levels inside. These are helpful in preventing the growth of mold.
As mentioned above, you can improve airflow inside your home by installing an exhaust fan or simply opening a window. This will help circulate the air inside and prevent the formation of condensation, creating a safe and comfortable indoor environment.
Malfunctioning Air Conditioning System
A properly working air conditioning unit works well in controlling the growth of mold. Not only does it help lower the temperature, but it also works as a dehumidifier, pulling excess moisture from the air and keeping humidity levels down.
When your air conditioning system malfunctions, it is unable to regulate the humidity, allowing condensation to form. Furthermore, water can leak from your AC, causing water to pool and allowing mold to grow. To keep this from happening, always make sure your air conditioning system is maintained regularly.
Damp Foundation
Wet surfaces always create perfect conditions for mold to grow – and your home’s foundation is no exception. Unfortunately, these can often go undetected for a significant amount of time, which can be scary as it gradually weakens its structural integrity.
A damp foundation should always be a cause for concern for homeowners. It loosens the soil, seeps into the concrete, and creates perfect conditions for mold to grow, which can be detrimental to your property.
Protect Your Home With Professional Mold Remediation By Restoration 1
Mold is a severe problem among homeowners as it can silently destroy your home. If left to its own devices, a minor patch of mold can quickly become an outbreak and do a number on your home. Understanding the top causes of microbial growth is essential in sufficiently addressing these issues and preventing them from returning. Although minor mold issues can be quickly dealt with on your own, significant outbreaks must be handled by professionals. If you require professional intervention and mold remediation, call the experts at Restoration 1. Equipped with extensive experience and the proper tools, our restoration experts will ensure the complete removal of mold from your home and prevent it from coming back. Contact us today!
