What Causes Mold Around the House & How To Deal With It
Several factors can contribute to mold growth in and around a house or building. Some of the most common causes of mold include:
- Excess moisture: Mold requires moisture to grow, so any area in the home or building that has a high humidity level or is prone to water leaks or flooding is at risk for mold growth.
- Poor ventilation: If a home or building lacks proper ventilation, this can create the ideal conditions for mold to grow.
- Leaky roofs, pipes, or appliances: Leaks in the roof, plumbing, or appliances can all contribute to excess moisture in the home or building, leading to mold growth.
- Humidity: High humidity levels can create an environment conducive to mold growth.
- Poor drainage: If water cannot drain away from the house or building properly, this can lead to excess moisture and mold growth.
- Lack of maintenance: If a home or building is not properly maintained and kept clean, this can also contribute to mold growth.
To prevent mold from growing in and around your house or building, it is important to control moisture levels, ensure proper ventilation, repair any leaks or plumbing problems promptly, and maintain the property regularly. If you suspect a mold problem at home, hire a professional mold inspector. it is important to address it as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
How to deal with it
A professional mold inspection of your home with the intent of finding mold growth starts with a visual inspection of the space, but it will likely involve the collection of surface and/or air samples for further testing. Mold inspection start with an inspection of the space for visible signs of mold. Professional and certified mold inspector may concentrate on one area of high moisture—such as a basement that has been flooded—or they might extend their search to the rest of the space.
Mold inspection includes:
- Identify the source of the moisture: To effectively deal with mold, it is important to find and fix the moisture source causing the mold to grow. This could be a leaky roof, plumbing problem, or high humidity. Air and surface sampling and testing
- Examining the HVAC ductwork for mold
- Remove the mold: Mold should be removed as soon as it is discovered. You can try to remove small amounts of mold yourself using a solution of water and detergent. Still, it is usually best to hire a professional mold remediation company to remove larger amounts of mold.
- Repair the damage: After the mold has been removed, it is important to repair any damage caused. This may include replacing drywall, insulation, or other materials affected by the mold.
- Prevent future mold growth: To prevent future mold growth, it is important to control moisture levels, ensure proper ventilation, and regularly maintain the property.
Conclusion
It is also important to take safety precautions when dealing with mold. Mold can release spores into the air, which can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues. When working with mold, wearing protective clothing, including a face mask and gloves, is important to prevent exposure.
Bayareamoldpros is a leading mold inspection and mold testing company providing quality mold analysis services and helping families & businesses overcome the devastating setbacks caused by mold. Bay Area Mold Pros suggests every homeowner in the San Francisco area should get periodic mold inspections. To schedule our mold inspection & mold testing services visit our website bayareamoldpros.com either email us or fill in the contact form on our website. We can be reached 24/7 at (650)762-6228.
