What Conditions Does Mold Grow In?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

If you've discovered mold in your property, give us a call about removing it.

While mold is a preventable problem, if it does break out, it can be a serious issue to tackle for homeowners, and if it is not handled properly from the beginning, it can quickly return on a repeat basis.

Fortunately, there are things that every homeowner can do to prevent mold from growing in the first place—namely, by avoiding creating conditions where it is likely to thrive. Below, we will take a look at how mold finds its way into your home as well as the conditions that it likes so you can be on the lookout for susceptible places in your home.

How Does Mold Get Into a Home?

Mold spores are airborne, and they can easily be transported from the outdoors to the inside of a home when the door is opened, when people walk inside with their shoes on or when pets and people carry the spores in on their fur or clothes.

Mold is nearly everywhere, which is normally not an issue because it needs a very specific set of conditions to begin to grow and reproduce.

An indoor mold problem can show itself in different ways. Some common indicators include:

Any of the above should bring about concern with property owners or occupants as they can be an indicator of an indoor mold problem.

Unfortunately, while these conditions should warrant a reaction, many people don’t react until their health or the health of someone they know is impacted.

Despite the indicators, addressing a potential mold problem is important. The first step in this process is to verify whether or not you actually have a problem and, if one is present, the size of the problem.

Several environmental inspection companies are available to investigate a property to determine if a harmful mold growth and environmental contamination exists. During the property inspection, samples of the air and surfaces may be taken during the mold testing process. These samples should then be analyzed by an independent third party lab to detect the presence or absence of mold growth within the area in question.

The Conditions That Mold Finds Favorable

There are many different types of mold that may grow in areas, but they all have one thing in common: They cannot grow without an adequate amount of moisture.

Mold requires dampness to take hold and begin reproducing, which is why it is often found in basements, bathrooms and areas that have experienced water damage.

An indoor mold problem can show itself in different ways. Some common indicators include:

Any of the above should bring about concern with property owners or occupants as they can be an indicator of an indoor mold problem.

Despite the indicators, addressing a potential mold problem is important. The first step in this process is to verify whether or not you actually have a problem and, if one is present, the size of the problem.

Several environmental inspection companies are available to investigate a property to determine if a harmful mold growth and environmental contamination exists. During the property inspection, samples of the air and surfaces may be taken during the mold testing process. These samples should then be analyzed by an independent third party lab to detect the presence or absence of mold growth within the area in question.

 If the investigation of the property concludes that the indoor environment is unsafe, mold remediation should be pursued. It is not recommended that mold be remediated by a private party, regular contractor, or maintenance worker as this can exacerbate the problem. The best choice for mold remediation is a professional mold remediation or damage restoration company that is experienced and certified in environmental remediation and decontamination such as SERVPRO of West Riverside City.

How Can I Discourage Mold From Growing?

One of the best things that homeowners can do to prevent mold from growing is increasing circulation and not letting areas in the home become too humid. Adding a fan to a bathroom or installing a dehumidifier in a basement can go a long way in discouraging mold from making itself at home.

Additionally, if you have any water damage to your home, it is best to get it professionally restored right away so mold does not begin to grow in the damaged area.

If you need help with mold remediation or water damage restoration, we are here to help.

If the investigation of the property concludes that the indoor environment is unsafe, mold remediation should be pursued. It is not recommended that mold be remediated by a private party, regular contractor, or maintenance worker as this can exacerbate the problem. The best choice for mold remediation is a professional mold remediation or damage restoration company that is experienced and certified in environmental remediation and decontamination such as SERVPRO of West Riverside City.