3 Common Causes of Mold Damage in Your Home

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can spread very easily in your home

Your home has mold.

But don’t get alarmed (yet) – mold is a naturally occurring fungi that lives in all environments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it’s impossible to eliminate all mold and spores from your house.

However, if conditions in your home are right, those fungi can spread and cause mold damage and big problems.

Stop Mold Damage Before It Starts

Mold grows best in damp, hot, and humid places. So the best way to control mold is to control the moisture in your home. Here are three common causes of mold damage in your house that you need to know about.

1. Leaky Pipes or Roofs Cause Mold Damage

One of the most common causes of mold damage is from leaks. Leaks create areas of standing water where mold colonies can grow. Call a plumber or replace any leaky pipes. Also note any discoloration on your ceiling, which can be a sign of water damage from a leaky roof or a leaky pipe in the room above. Remember, the source of these leaks must be fixed before any mold remediation can occur or the problem will continue.

2. Humidity Causes Mold Damage

The Tennessee Department of Health recommends the humidity in your home be set between 30 and 50 percent to prevent mold damage. Some thermostats have a setting which allows you to control the humidity level. This is important to note, especially during the hot and humid summer months here in Rutherford County.

If your thermostat doesn’t give you this option, think about using a dehumidifier. The most economic units will run between 50 and a few hundred dollars, but this is a small investment considering the potential costs associated with mold remediation.

3. Poor Ventilation Causes Mold Damage

Ventilation helps reduce the heat and humidity from areas with a lot of moisture – specifically kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Check that your exhaust is not blocked and is venting all of your heat and humidity outside. Ensure exhaust fans are working properly over cooking surfaces and in your bathroom. It’s also smart to crack open a window while showering to help reduce the humidity in the room.

How to Get Rid of Your Mold

If you spot mold damage in your house, you need to act fast. And the highly trained mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO in Rutherford County are on call 24/7 – ready to assist in your emergency needs. Our team will help find the source of your problem and suggest services that are right for your home and budget.

Contact SERVPRO in Rutherford County at (615) 849-9794 to schedule your appointment today.