Top 10 Causes of Mold in a Home

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

In the wild, mold is a naturally occurring fungus that plays an important role in breaking down organic matter. Perhaps its most famous positive role is the one it plays in being used for penicillin, where its toxicity is effectively used to kill off diseases.

However, mold is good in that case because it is, in fact, dangerous – and mold is one of the last things anyone wants to find inside their home. How does mold wind up in houses despite our disdain for the stuff? Today we’re delving into 10 of the top causes of mold in a home.

1.  Roof Leaks

Ignoring roof leaks – whether knowingly or unknowingly – frequently causes mold to grow in a home. Droplets showing through the ceiling due to water damage are a major red flag that your roof needs to be professionally evaluated and potentially replaced. Mold growth not only negatively affects your health but can affect the structural integrity of your house.

A leaking roof can lead to systemic or limited mold growth. With systemic growth, the roof leak can allow for significant moisture to build up to encourage mold growth throughout the entire area. Conversely, limited growth happens in spaces with enough ventilation to dissipate the moisture coming from the leaking roof.

2.  Foundations

When it comes to housing, Lancaster, PA runs the gamut from beautiful historic homes dating back hundreds of years to new builds happening as we speak. Regardless of the age of a home, a leaky foundation is something to watch out for.

Monitor the foundation walls of your house so you can save money by making minor repairs before conditions worsen. It’s when things escalate that you’ll need professional home remediation services to repair the damage and remove mold. Moist soil behind a foundation can eventually reach the concrete’s surface, creating a wet surface where toxic mold can grow.

3.  Damp Basements

Since mold thrives in the presence of moisture, ensuring your home’s basement is free of any moisture is essential.

In households where the basement is used infrequently, homeowners should make a point to regularly check for moisture to be safe. If mold growth appears, the first step is to identify the water source. Determine how the water entered the basement and contact home remediation services to remedy it.

4.  Crawl Spaces

No basement, no problems? Not exactly. Houses with crawl spaces in lieu of basements still have to keep an eye out for mold growth. Crawl spaces are known for being prone to moisture and mold growth. Finding mold in a crawl space is indicative of a bigger problem upstairs. As always, the faster you act upon discovering it, the better!

5.  Air Conditioning Systems

Mold loves dark and damp places, and unfortunately, an air conditioning system offers exactly that. Mold spores attach to damp areas, and air conditioning technicians frequently discover mold on the exterior of air conditioning systems and ducts.

The supply plenum, air vents, flex ducts, and trunk line of an air conditioning system tend to be problem areas for mold growth. Moisture builds up thanks to the mix of hot and cold temperatures—think of it like beverage condensation on a sizzling hot day.

If you have or suspect mold growth on your air conditioning system, call a technician to examine the problem areas for you.

6.  Poor Ventilation

In a house with poor ventilation, the lack of air circulation can cause humidity to increase. This leads to condensation and – like clockwork – is the perfect place for mold to grow. Ventilation is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens, as these are the areas of the home where we regularly use water. Seal your house from energy leaks and ensure ventilation is available in every room so air can flow throughout the structure.

7.  Flood

Natural disasters that lead to flooding of your property can lead to mold growth. The type and severity of mold growth can vary depending on the type of water damage you endure. Clean water comes from broken pipes, overflowing sinks, or rainwater, and thankfully the health risks associated with it are minimal—so long as you seek professional assistance within 48 hours of the flood.

Greywater can come from chemical wastes such as laundry detergent or equipment discharges. The mold growth in these situations poses more serious health risks. Finally, blackwater refers to the wastewater from bathrooms that contains fecal matter and urine. Water from kitchens is also categorized as blackwater due to contamination from pathogens and grease.

Greywater and blackwater can be harmful, so if water enters your home, seek professional help immediately for a quick cleanup and drying by cleaning and restoration companies who have the equipment and know-how on what to do.

8.  Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes cause a plethora of issues, with mold being right at the top of the list. Mold can be persistent and grow quickly, and once it starts to form, you will need a fast, professional solution to stop it from spreading elsewhere.

9.  Too Much Insulation

Sometimes a house can have an overabundance of insulation that prevents air from circulating outside, which in turn means moisture can’t escape from the walls. The insulation traps heat with the confined moisture, establishing the perfect growing site for mold.

This issue can be avoided by working with a knowledgeable roofing contractor to have your insulation levels assessed. They can help you determine whether some insulation needs to be removed to restore the airflow to proper levels so moisture can escape.

10.  High Humidity

Oh the humidity! It’s miserable to be in, plus it can lead to potentially toxic mold growth conditions in a home with too much of it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal humidity levels in a house should be anywhere from 30 to 50 percent. Humidity levels above 60 percent create a breeding ground for mold and mildew growth.

You can purchase a hygrometer at a home improvement store to measure the temperature and humidity levels inside your home. Preventing mold in humid climates is not easy, but running dehumidifiers preemptively is a great start. Be sure to buy one that covers the square footage of your space.

Home Remediation Services in Lancaster, PA

The dangers of mold make it important to take immediate action to fix the problem as soon as you suspect it.

If you think you may have mold growth, reach out to the experts at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. We will inspect your home or business, so we know exactly where the mold is and understand the extent of the issue. Next, we will begin home remediation services to clear your home of mold and make sure it is safe. Call 717-665-1270 or contact us here!