Factors That Cause Mold Growth

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

First and foremost, molds are furry microorganisms that are present in almost all habitations. They typically look like black stains, or in other cases, specks of brown, green, orange, white, or black.  Provided the atmosphere in question is moist enough, mold can grow really fast. In the house, molds are likely to be found especially around windows, bathroom walls, and other damp areas. Here are some areas around the house where mold grows and what causes the growth:

Kitchen

If you have a dishwasher, the water that leaks from it might be the cause of molds in your kitchen. Water leakage from the sink may also be a contributing factor. Probably your drainage system has issues and it overflows or leaks from time to time. Other factors include steam (either from the dishwasher or boiling water), poor air circulation, waste food, condensation within pipes, and so on.

Basement

Most basements today are incomplete without a few molds here and there. If yours is among them, get in touch with the right people for the job and keep your basement mold-free. Any leaking pipes in/around your basement are a major cause. You also need to check your foundation walls. If there are any cracks, patch them up to prevent mold growth. If your basement windows are open most of the time, ensure they are always shut. Other factors include failures in a sump pump, faulty downspouts, and poor ventilation.

Bathroom

Prevent mold growth in your bathroom by taking care of plumbing issues such as overflows and leaks. If you shower with hot water, the steam from the shower evaporates and condenses on the walls and the ceiling. After showering, there are bound to be a couple of wet surfaces and water puddles. Such areas provide the ideal atmosphere for molds to grow. If your bathroom is tiled, mold may grow as a result of caulking between the tiles or a failed grout. Alternative causes include frequent running water and broken bathtub/toilet seals.

Crawl Space

Molds in your crawl space are inevitable if your air duct is missing a few essential insulation materials. If your foundation or foundation walls have cracks, prevent further mold growth and seal them. Also, ensure that your crawl space is properly ventilated. Poor air circulation is a sure way to harbor the growth and spread of mold. Other causes include groundwater, exposed plumbing joists and pipes, flooding, and so on.

Attic

Keep your attic mold-free by fixing certain issues including faulty kitchen/bathroom vents, missing insulations, or holes on the roof. The water that comes from such issues provides a safe atmosphere for mold growth and survival. During the cold season, the condensation effect is also a contributing factor. Always keep your attic well-ventilated, properly insulated and free from any heaters or furnaces. In some houses, snow and ice damming issues can also cause mold to grow in the attic.