Four Often-Ignored Causes Of Mold Growth In A Home
Homes with high humidity are at risk of getting mold on the roof's underside, plumbing pipes, walls, ceilings, carpets, and upholstery. Mold can also grow on insulation, cardboard, and paper products. The leading causes of mold growth in a home are roof and plumbing leaks. However, there are other factors that encourage mold growth and expose the household to respiratory complications. Read on to find out four often-ignored causes of mold growth in a home.
Poor Home Ventilation
One of the key causes of mold growth in indoor spaces is poor ventilation. Ventilation systems lower indoor humidity and circulate clean air throughout the house. Inadequate or improper ventilation leads to damp surfaces, which encourages mold growth. Below are the signs of mold growth resulting from inadequate ventilation.
- Condensation on the windows
- Musty smells in the home
- Constant moisture on indoor surfaces
- Frequent outbreaks of respiratory allergies
You don't need to alter your home's structure to improve ventilation. Use mechanical systems such as fans and heat recovery ventilators to lower humidity. You can also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. However, you must remove the existing mold before fixing the underlying ventilation issues.
Moisture-Releasing Plants
Moisture-releasing plants are plants with a high transpiration rate. They restore moisture to the air and are great for areas with low humidity. Examples of moisture-releasing plants are:
- Ferns
- Lady Palm
- Peace Lily
- Rubber Plant
- Spider Plant
If your home already has high humidity, these plants can increase it significantly, creating suitable breeding grounds for mold. If you notice mold spores around areas where your indoor plants are, the plants could be releasing moisture into the atmosphere. Use a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture. Alternatively, take the plants outdoors when there is high humidity.
Wet Mats and Carpets
Are you constantly dealing with liquid spills on your rugs and carpets? Spills are common in homes with kids and pets. Unfortunately, a wet rug or carpet can attract mold on the backing within a few hours, especially if you don't dry it. Over time, the mold spores will spread to your flooring, walls, and upholstery. Therefore, if you notice a musty smell on your wet carpet or rug, you likely have a mold infestation.
Air-Drying Clothes Indoors
Air-drying clothes is a great way of saving energy. However, if you air-dry clothes indoors, they can attract mold to the surfaces. Wet clothes increase the humidity in the air, which creates a suitable breeding ground for mold. If your laundry room is poorly ventilated, the mold will spread fast on the surfaces. Therefore, air-dry your clothes outdoors or use your dryer to control indoor humidity levels.
Have you noticed any mold on your indoor surfaces? Contact a contractor for professional mold removal and remediation services.
