Mold Damage - Causes of Mold Growth in Your Home

8/5/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in a Berthoud home.

Mold is a fungus that can be toxic to humans when present in large quantities. Mold forms in nearly any condition where moisture is consistently present. Superficial problems left unaddressed can become virtual petri dishes for mold proliferation. For example, attics are dark environments. Sunlight kills bacteria, and the complete absence of light provides an optimal environment for mold to expand. Attics are warm or even hot during summers in arid climates. These two conditions allow mold to spread rapidly. 24-48 hours is usually sufficient. An air conditioning evaporative coil leak in the attic that is not remedied will lead directly to mold growth.

Common conditions that contribute to mold growth in a home, bathroom or office, such as:

Oxygen (air)

Darkness

Mold spores

Moisture

Warmth

Another source of mold growth can be found in wood and cotton as well as drywall, which is extremely susceptible to long-term moisture retention if not allowed to dry out.

Mold Spores

Mold spores allow for proliferation in any closed environment. Dust is transmissible and can pass between many persons so long as a thorough hand-washing doesn't occur. Dust-borne spores may be more hazardous to humans and pets because they can be breathed in. Spores also land on surfaces prone to constant human touch like desks, tables, cabinets, beds, and bathroom and kitchen counters. Basements used as living or storage areas are also candidates.

Moisture

Moisture is the key element for mold growth. Roughly 50-55% humidity triggers mold propagation like a jump start on a car battery. Indoor humidity and moisture increases in rain season. Consider that a palpable dampness can be sensed on the skin inside a home during a rain. If a person can detect dampness by touch or breath, so can a mold fungus.

Pipe leaks, drywall fissures and wall cracks and gaps all act as channels by which mold spreads.

Mold damage is the specific term for mold proliferation when it has spread to the stage its toxicity is affecting living persons and pets. Mold damage requires immediate attention and can involve structural repairs and replacement of critical areas that cannot be cleaned. Treatment involves drywall and wood replacement, moisture reduction and elimination, bleach and fungicide applications and painting.

Mold Damage Tulsa

Unchecked mold damage is responsible for toxic components called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can pose serious health risks that contribute to impaired lung function and other breathing problems. An affected immune response, neurological issues and even death can result from infection caused by mold spores and mold damage.

If moisture and mold problems present themselves in your home, they need to be addressed as soon as possible. A Greeley-based professional mold remediation company SERVPROGreeleywindsor.com is fully equipped for business and residential mold abatement.  Get rid of mold and keep your home or office building a clean, healthy environment for adults, children and pets alike.

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is locally owned and operated and serves Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, Eaton, Ault, LaSalle, Pierce, Platteville, Gilcrest, Johnstown, Milliken, Berthoud and the surrounding communities. Water comes from everywhere and our certified technicians can clean and dry any flood better than its original state. * 24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service * 24/7 Flood Damage & Water Damage Service * 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service * 24/7 Mold Remediation *24/7 Bio-hazard Suicide Clean *24/7 Fire Window Roof Board-up