4 Causes of Mold Growth and How to Respond to Outbreaks

Posted on: November 25, 2014 | By: Michael T. | Mold and Fungus, Mold inspection California

Mold inspection California

4 Causes of Mold Growth and How to Respond to Outbreaks

Mold requires a particular set of conditions to grow in a home. It needs the right surface, such as wood or drywall, and the area must be dark. Mold cannot develop beneath ultraviolet light. Mold grows quickest in areas that are warm, moist and rich in oxygen.

Moisture is the main cause of mold growth, so if your home falls victim to an outbreak, a moisture problem most likely is the culprit. Allied Restoration Company offers mold inspections and mold cleanup services in San Francisco. If you’re unsure if your home has a mold problem, call 415-529-5637 to schedule an inspection.

1. Humidity

If the weather has been overly humid for several consecutive days, then you may notice mold growth in your home. This is also true when rain falls for a few days at a time, which causes mold to grow on benches, walls due to the wet air.

The CDC recommends purchasing a dehumidifier or running the air conditioner to help keep humidity levels low in the house. Your home’s humidity level should be no higher than 50 percent. However, the HVAC system can also cause humidity issues while artificially heating or cooling the air.

Humidity not only feeds mold, but it also creates puddles of moisture and dampens materials in the house. This facilitates mold growth.

2. Leaks

Water leaks are common causes of mold growth. Sometimes, pipe leaks can go undetected for years because they are out of view. When you uncover these leaks, mold may already be growing.

Roof leaks also cause mold growth. Like a leaking pipe, a leaking roof that allows water to enter the attic might remain unnoticed until it is too late. Regularly check your attic for leaks, and be sure to keep an eye out for water damage in the attic.

3. Condensation

Cold surfaces create condensation. Condensation collects on cold metal pipes, concrete floors and walls. These places are ripe for mold growth.

4. Poor Ventilation

If the home ventilation is poor, pockets of moist air may form, creating conditions ripe for mold growth. Water and steam evaporation in the air causes humidity, which needs to circulate outdoors through windows in order to balance moisture levels. Ventilation is vital in areas where steam is prevalent such as the kitchen and the bathroom.

Call a Professional

We take mold growth seriously at Allied Restoration Company. We make sure that when the job completes, all mold is gone and is extremely unlikely to return. If you have a mold problem, give us a call at 415-529-5637 to schedule a mold inspection in San Francisco.