3 Small Issues That Can Cause Big Mold Problems

If you are suffering from the symptoms of mold in the home or have had a mold inspection report come back positive, you may be wondering where this mold is coming from. The truth is that mold has been in your home since it was built. The spores waft in on the breeze, but most mold in the home is dormant until it is exposed to moisture. Once activated, mold spores can begin to grow and proliferate within 24-48 hours. Where this moisture comes from can be a problem of its own.

Small Leaks Left Unrepaired

Any leak, whether it is a pipe that is slightly damp or water is spraying on your walls, should be addressed immediately. While a slow drip seems like a low priority problem, every drop of moisture could be activating the existing mold in your home and giving it a good environment to grow in. It is easiest to fix a small leak immediately rather than to have to fix a small leak, water damage, and a mold problem down the road.

High Home Humidity

Some humidity is necessary for a home to feel comfortable, but too much humidity is can be a problem. High humidity levels can not only negatively affect your comfort, but they can create the perfect environment for moisture mold to grow and thrive in your home. This means mold can be activated everywhere as well. A home with high humidity left unaddressed will lead to a mold problem sooner or later.

Improperly Vented Appliances

While most moisture-using producing appliances should be vented outside the home, not all of them are. Some appliances may only vent up into the attic. This doesn’t seem like a huge problem as attics themselves have vents so the air gets out one way or another. However, if your dryer, stove, bathroom, or even air conditioner are venting into your attic, it is creating a moisture-rich environment. As it is dark, hot, and now moist in your attic, it becomes the perfect area for mold spores to grow.

Keeping an eye on these potential issues is the key to preventing a mold problem in your home before it even starts. If you suspect you have a mold issue in your home and need an inspection to confirm it, call Bee Sure Home Inspections today to schedule a mold test with us!