The Causes Of Mold And How To Get Rid Of It

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

The Causes Of Mold And How To Get Rid Of It

The sight of mold and mildew are never a welcome sight for any home or business owner. This fungus is often fast growing and causes damage to the material it is growing on. In addition to damaging a building's structure, mold can also cause health problems in those with prolonged exposure. For these reasons, it is important to understand what causes the growth and development of this fungus and how to get rid of it once it is discovered.

Mold is a constant factor in our environment and it produces countless spores that are carried on the wind. When these spores land on an area that has what it needs to thrive, it begins to grow. If left alone long enough, this fungus can cover large areas that require mold mitigation and remediation by specialists experienced in mold removal. The most common causes of mold in home damage and commercial mold damage are listed below:

Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Leaking plumbing pipes are one of the most common sources of mold damage. The biggest reason for this mold in home damage and commercial mold damage is due to the location of these pipes. They are typically hidden underneath counters, basements and underneath buildings, making this fungus and mold damage hard to spot. In many cases, building owners begin searching for the cause of a smelly odor that they feel needs deodorization. They are often shocked to discover they are in need of mitigation and remediation to prevent further mold in home or commercial mold damage. Regular plumbing inspections can reduce mold damage because the problem is detected earlier and prompt mold removal can be done before structural damage occurs.

High Humidity

The presence of high indoor humidity can also promote mildew and mold growth. People who live in coastal towns or near large bodies of water may find mold to be a persistent problem requiring mold remediation and mitigation. Those who use clothes dryers indoors may also see mildew and other fungal growth because these appliance raise humidity levels indoors. Many people find that running humidifiers keeps humidity levels at acceptable levels and cuts down on smelly odors needing deodorization. Experts recommend keeping humidity levels below 55 percent indoors to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Improper Ventilation

Poor or improperly ventilated buildings are at an increased risk of mold growth. When moisture is not being directed out of buildings, it creates pockets of dampness that provide the perfect place for mold spores to grow.

Condensation

Condensation provides a steady source of dampness that often leads to fungal growth causing commercial mold damage as well as mold in home damage. Homes and buildings in cooler climates often have excess condensation due to cold pipes. In these instances, mold damage can often be found on carpet, walls and underneath wallpaper.

Flooding After A Storm Or Water Leak

Flooding after natural disasters or water leaks increases the risk of fungal growth requiring mold removal. Because it takes a long time for flooded buildings to dry out completely, fungal spores have plenty of time to grow. If the power is off after a flood, mold may grow at a faster rate due to warm temperatures and high humidity. Flooding also causes smelly odors that require deodorization to eliminate.

How To Get Rid Of Mold

Once mold takes hold and grows on a surface, extensive damage may occur making mitigation and remediation necessary to prevent mold in home damage or commercial mold damage. Not only will mold removal save the building's structure, but it also removes smelly odors after deodorization. Early detection and prompt removal is the best way to avoid extensive damage. Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on mold removal and remediation.