What About Mold Spores?

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Spores need three things to grow into mold and removing any one of these can reduce or eliminate new mold growth:
1. Nutrients - Dust or Dander
2. Moisture 
3. Warmth

Food sources for mold in buildings include cellulose-based materials such as wood, cardboard and the paper facing on drywall and organic matter such as soap, fabrics and dust-containing skin cells. A basement or crawl space, a leaking roof or a leak in plumbing pipes provide the moisture to start mold growth. Insufficient ventilation may accelerate moisture buildup and visible mold colonies may form where ventilation is poorest.

If there are mold problems in a house only during certain times of the year, the house is probably too airtight or too drafty. Molds grow best in warm temperatures, 77 to 86 °F.  HVAC systems can also produce all three requirements for mold growth creating a difference in temperature encouraging condensation or with the dusty air movement through the system.

Here are some steps to help prevent mold in your home.
- Stop and fix any water leaks - fix leaky pipes, prevent seepage, have rainwater drain away from house & ventilate enclosed areas
- Keep surfaces clean - dirt promotes mildew
- Keep surfaces dry - reduce moisture with dehumidifiers, keep humidity in home below 40%
- Routinely check problem areas like steamy bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, windows, laundry rooms, anywhere that has had a leak previously

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North provides free inspections if you ever think you have a water or mold problem!