Mold is a normal part of our environment, existing almost everywhere in nature. Mold spreads through microscopic particles called spores. Spores are virtually everywhere, but they only grow under specific conditions.
Consistent exposure to mold can lead to various health concerns, so it’s important to check your home or business if you suspect any signs of mold, especially if you live in a humid area. Understanding what causes mold growth will allow you to take the proper preventative measures and keep your home or business mold free.
What Causes Mold Growth?
Moisture is the number one cause of mold growth. Mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours on any surface, regardless of the material. These situations create the perfect formula for mold growth.
- Leaks And Water Intrusion – Leaks will allow moisture to settle in an area, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow. Leaks can occur through various methods, whether in the plumbing or a vulnerability in your home or business’s construction. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for leaks by checking under sinks or looking for water spots on the wall or ceiling. Most importantly, remember that in the event of a leak or water intrusion, it’s crucial to address the issue at the source—don’t address the issue of mold without addressing the cause. Water can enter your home or business through a variety of methods, including:
- A leaky roof
- Leaking pipes
- A dripping faucet
- A leaking air conditioning system
- Moisture from the foundation
- Poor Ventilation – Because moisture is the key cause of mold growth, airflow into an area is helpful for drying excess moisture and reducing the chances of mold developing. However, poor ventilation traps moisture, creating an environment where mold can thrive. Mold growth due to poor ventilation can often occur in less frequented parts of the home, like the basement or crawl space. However, it can also occur in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or the bathroom. Small steps like leaving a window open while cooking or leaving the bathroom door open after a warm shower can make a significant difference in controlling mold growth.
- Flooding and Water Damage – Flooding and water damage are two more major causes of mold, bringing significant amounts of water into a space. Standing water allows moisture to remain in a single area, giving mold a chance to grow. In the event of a flood or water damage emergency, it is important to act as quickly as possible to remove the moisture. Since mold begins to develop within one to two days, quick action to fully dry out the area is essential for controlling its growth. However, drying out a space is easier said than done. A flood can cause water to soak into the materials of an area, including the carpet, drywall, furniture, and more.
Prevention Strategies For Mold Growth
Mold exists everywhere as spores in the air, so it proves quite difficult to eradicate entirely, but you can prevent it from growing and spreading in your home or business. Here is a simple three step prevention strategy for mold growth.
- Check For Moisture (regularly) – Be sure to regularly check for leaks or excess moisture in your home or business.
- Act Quickly – Mold can spread quickly, so if mold does start to grow, then you should act as soon as possible to clean it up and address the moisture that allowed it to grow. If you experience a water emergency, like a flood or a leak, act fast to prevent water from sitting too long in one spot and spreading into additional areas. Acting quickly will prevent mold growth from starting at all.
- Contact A Professional – If you experience a flood or mold growth, then you will need the support of a team with the right experience and equipment.
Get Professional Mold Remediation From Bactronix
Mold can be tricky, but with the right prevention strategies and the right support, you can keep your home or business safe. At Bactronix, our team is experienced in mold remediation to control any existing mold presence. Whether it’s the result of a leaky pipe or a water damage emergency, our experts have your home or business covered. Contact us at Bactronix to learn more about what causes mold growth and for professional support in mold remediation.
