What causes mold to grow?

You may be asking yourself what variables are necessary for mold to start growing in the first place. As previously mentioned, Stachybotrys takes a little longer to start growing, Like most species on mold though as with other species it can be trigger by the right elements. .The following list will trigger not only black mold but most fungi to grow.

• Mold likes any moisture, such as water, or even oils.
• Molds occur naturally on any organic nutrient.
• Molds like dark places.
• Molds like warm temperatures and elevated humidity.
• Given time molds will mature and grow.

When all of the above conditions occur, you should be on the watch for mold in problem areas.

Flooding:

One of the first thing that most people think of when it comes to what might cause mold growth is water damage from flooding. Any time you experience some flooding in a home or business, it could potentially lead to mold problems. You have to pay particular attention to organic building materials if they get wet. Mold will grow quite well on sheetrock, wood, and in your insulation if it gets damp or some moisture. Anytime you believe you have water that might cause any of these issues you need to immediately take action to prevent even more costs in replacing wood and other materials that have to be removed during remediation. Trying to dry out your home or building can be costly, and if done improperly it can end up in even more expensive repairs. Most molds start to grow in 24-48 hours. When you have a project like this it is best to contact professional water damage companies, Professional water damage restoration companies have industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to completely dry out building materials like insulation and sheetrock before mold can begin to form. This is particularly important to remember during hurricane season when heavy rains often flood certain areas. You can try to save money yourself by removing the wet carpet or drywall, but in the long run, often it is better to let professionals handle situations like this.

Humidity:

When the humidity is high the potential for mold growth is increased exponentially. When you take into account the spores that live naturally in your home your risk of mold is increased dramatically. The areas with the highest potential for mold risk include closets, cabinets, and bathrooms. .Any area that is dark the majority of the day and doesn’t have much ventilation is in danger of being invaded by mold.  Failure to address these issues can allow the mold to spread to other parts of your building and cost even more in remediation to get rid of the mold. Many houses that sit vacant for long periods of time develop mold issues. You can help prevent some of the humidity issues by using your air conditioner and keeping it at a precise temperature. An air conditioner is a natural dehumidifier and can help prevent mold spreading in your home. You should avoid leaving it off for extended periods of time. Most mold cannot grow without 55 % humidity, so keeping your home below this figure will in most cases be enough to prevent mold from forming.  

Condensation:

If you have ever drunk a soda and seen the outside of the can or cup feel wet from condensation within a few minutes, you can understand what condensation does when it accumulates in your home. This prevalent type of mold is probably Cladosporium and is non-toxic.  This can happen anywhere, and the potential for mold is increased. However, the mold that is found in places where condensation occurs is probably harmless and can just be cleaned away by any mold cleaner from the store. If it gets in the drywall, then you will have to have someone come in and remediate your mold issue likely. If mold accumulates on any non-porous surface like tile, marble, or plastic, you can quickly clean it off. This collects when humid air comes in contact creating a cold surface. Mold growth can start from humidity problems as described in the above situation. Some of the most common mold growth can be seen by most people.

Ventilation Problems:

The potential for mold growth is significantly increased anywhere there is inadequate ventilation. If an area with poor ventilation gets any moisture from any source, the area is much more likely to get mold growth. Some areas to pay particular attention to our closets, attics, garages, and bathrooms.

Plumbing Issues:

Leaky pipes form plumbing issues are another top cause of mold growth in your home. Anytime a pipe or drain is leaking it gives excess moisture to the area. Usually, pipes are in dark areas like our kitchen cabinets or our bathroom vanity which adds to the potential for colonies to form.  Sometimes the leak is so subtle that we don’t even realize we have one till it has caused damage to our wood cabinets or wall.  .Other times it may be because it is a pipe burst and we have to find the source to restore our water usage. Plumbing is often hidden in walls or the ceiling. At these times you may want to consider someone who does this kind of thing for a living. Having an inspector is a significant advantage and can help resolve your issues promptly. Any place where you have plumbing is at high risk for black mold and should be given more top priority.

Roof and Window Leaks:

Leaky roofs can cause extensive damage to your dwelling. Like plumbing issues above sometimes the effects are evident and other times it may leak in places that are hard to see physically, and the damage may be contained to areas like the attic. The damage can be extremely costly if not corrected in the beginning stages of the problem. If the .leak gets very bad you may start seeing stains in the drywall; the wall might feel damp and then begin to show visible signs of mold. Unfortunately, sometimes by the time, you can visibly see the damage it may have already done extensive damage.  Saturated materials needed to be torn out and replaced or thoroughly dried out and treated to prevent further spreading. Attics can be a big issue if a leaky roof is not noticed relatively quickly. Eventually, if left unattended a leaky roof can begin to affect the air quality and may need to be tested by a professional.

Basement and Foundation Problems:

Houses with underground rooms are especially susceptible to mold issues.  Places that have heavy rainfall can develop foundation cracks or other issues. Sometimes homes do not have good drainage, and the water will sit in one place. All the extra moisture can make your basement very susceptible especially to black mold. Fungus feeds on organic materials like sheetrock and can grow and colonize quickly if left alone. Serious water issue should be dealt with a mold inspection specialist to make sure it is fixed and does not continue to spread throughout the house or the building.