Causes and Factors that contribute to Mold Damage
If you notice any presence of molds on the surfaces of your house and even in items such as clothes and sofa, necessary preventive measures must be done right away to keep the molds from growing and becoming worse. Mold does not only look dirty and unclean, but it is also unhealthy to the people in the house and the surroundings. Molds thrive in a cold and moist environment. That is why if your home has high humidity level, it is possible that molds are starting to grow in various surfaces.
The most basic mold removal treatment is probably a complete household cleanup. However, if the source of moisture is not identified, mold can still continue to grow even with regular cleaning. Finding out the source of moisture causing mold damage in the home is an important thing to do.
Sources of Moisture
• Water leaks
The most common sources of water leaks are the kitchen sink, bathroom walls, floors, and bathtubs. Any sign of leak must be addressed immediately. If the leak is severe, professional plumbing services are available. Apart from broken pipes, damaged gutters may also cause the leak, which produces mold growth on the ceiling.
• Flood
The aftermath of flooding can leave the home a total wreck. Homes affected by tropical storm and flooding must be on the lookout for mold infestation even after the waters have subsided and have dried up. Hiring a mold contractor may be effective and is also recommended but can be quite costly. A simple way to cleanup after a flood is to segregate the contaminated items and discard those that can no longer be saved. The infested items must be dried up either through a fan or under the heat of the sun to totally remove moisture. Any presence of molds of these items should be brushed off.
• Poor drainage system
If the problem is not with water leakage, check for any defects in the water system or the drainage. Standing water is a major cause of high level of humidity indoors. Broken and loose faucets will definitely produce a lot of moisture. If these are not checked, mold damage is possible to occur in the many areas of the house.
• Condensation
The production of water vapor caused by steam from cooking or from shower and the effects of condensation on concrete areas can be a good thriving spot for molds. Even household appliances are not exempted from mold growth. Carpets are favorite spots of molds. This is best prevented with the use of a dehumidifier. The indoor ventilation must also be right and proper in order to keep a good air circulation inside the house.
