What Causes Mold and Mildew Growth?
Mold and mildew grow when excess moisture accumulates in your home. This moisture allows mold spores that are already present in the air to germinate and grow. The main causes include:
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Leaks or flooding: Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, flooding, and groundwater seepage can all lead to excess moisture accumulation.
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High humidity: If the relative humidity in your home consistently stays above 60%, mold and mildew growth is likely.
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Lack of ventilation: Bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements often lack proper ventilation, allowing moisture to accumulate.
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Condensation: Cold surfaces like windows and pipes that accumulate condensation promote mold growth.
Health Risks of Mold Exposure
Exposure to mold and mildew can lead to a variety of health issues:
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Allergic reactions: Mold spores can cause eye irritation, runny nose, coughing, wheezing and skin rashes in sensitive individuals. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.
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Asthma attacks: Mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks and worsen asthma symptoms.
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Respiratory infections: People with weakened immune systems may be susceptible to respiratory infections when exposed to mold.
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Toxic reactions: Certain types of mold release mycotoxins that can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea and other symptoms when inhaled in large amounts.
Reducing your exposure to mold and mildew is important to protect your health, especially for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
Inspecting Your Home for Mold and Mildew
Carefully inspect all areas of your home to locate existing mold and mildew growth:
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Damp areas: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics and crawlspaces are common problem areas. Look along floors, walls and ceilings for visible mold growth.
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Behind furnishings: Pull out dressers, desks and sofas from walls to check for hidden mold growth.
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HVAC system: Inspect air ducts, vents and the evaporator coil for any buildup of dirt or growth.
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Musty odor: Sniff for areas that smell stale, earthy or musty, which may indicate mold.
Use a moisture meter to check wood, drywall and other materials for excess moisture. Take notes on any problem areas you find so they can be properly addressed.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
Prevention is key to controlling mold and mildew in your home. Follow these tips:
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Fix leaks and flooding: Repair any plumbing or roof leaks promptly. Address foundation and crawlspace flooding issues.
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Increase ventilation: Use exhaust fans, open windows and run dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 60%.
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Insulate cold surfaces: Insulate exterior walls and pipes to reduce condensation.
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Clean and dry wet areas: Wipe down shower walls after use, clean up spills quickly and use dehumidifiers in damp rooms.
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Maintain good drainage: Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Slope the ground near your home’s perimeter to promote drainage.
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Service HVAC system: Change filters monthly and have a professional clean the ductwork annually.
Removing Existing Mold Growth
If you find mold growth in your home, take steps to remove it:
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Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles and a respirator when cleaning mold. The spores can be toxic if inhaled.
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First, fix the underlying moisture issue allowing the mold to grow. Mold will return if excess moisture remains.
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Clean non-porous surfaces with detergent and water. Use a bleach solution on semi-porous materials like concrete.
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Remove affected porous materials: Drywall, carpeting and soft furnishings with mold growth often need replacement.
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Consult a mold remediation specialist for large-scale mold removal projects. Professional help may be needed for HVAC system mold contamination, areas larger than 10 square feet or if mold growth returns after cleaning attempts.
When to Call a Professional
Consider contacting a mold remediation pro in these situations:
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Mold growth larger than 10 square feet
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Presence of black mold or recurring mold issues
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HVAC system mold contamination
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Musty odor returns shortly after cleaning
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Health issues potentially related to mold exposure
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Unsure how to properly remove mold from porous or semi-porous materials
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Legal liability concerns over mold contamination
Remediation pros have specialized tools, protective equipment and training to safely and effectively eliminate mold while preventing spore spread. Their services are well worth the cost for large-scale mold removal or cases where DIY efforts fail.
Conclusion
By controlling moisture, improving ventilation, cleaning promptly and removing affected materials, you can successfully eliminate mold and mildew from your home. Pay close attention to any signs of mold growth and take quick action to prevent it from becoming a larger issue. With diligent prevention and prompt remediation efforts when necessary, you can keep your living spaces free of mold and mildew contamination.
