There are several reasons why a home can have mold growth, but whatever the reason, you need to determine the source to repair the problem before beginning a cleanup. Having mold in your home is dangerous because it causes symptoms such as watery eyes, itchy skin and chronic coughing. Here are three causes of mold inside a home that you must look for and fix.
Leaking Roof
You might not realize that a home’s roof has holes because it is not something you inspect on a regular basis. However, tiny cracks can permit moisture to enter after it rains or snows, and the moisture causes serious problems. Small amounts of moisture can leak into a home to damage ceilings and walls. Because mold spores thrive in moisture, colonies begin to grow rapidly and send out more spores into a home’s ductwork.
Leaking Pipes
Old degraded plumbing can lead to mold growth inside a home because pipes and connectors begin to leak and will need to be re-piped. The tiny drops of water soak into drywall and insulation, helping mold spores to grow. This type of mold can grow inside walls for several years without homeowners noticing, and unless the materials are removed and cleaned thoroughly, the building’s occupants can begin to experience health problems.
Poor Air Circulation
Mold spores will grow quickly in areas of your home that have high humidity levels and poor air circulation. Spaces such as attics, closets and basements are also dark, creating a perfect environment for mold to grow. Homeowners may not enter these spaces for several months and not realize that mold is growing on the walls, floors or ceilings until serious damage occurs that requires tearing out materials before sanitizing underlying surfaces.