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Indoor Mold Sources
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Molds and mildew are everywhere in our
environment. In nature, they perform the very important function of breaking down organic matter.
Indoors, under ideal conditions they can eventually destroy
everything they come in contact with. Molds need very little to survive and
flourish: air, moisture and food. (liquid water isn't necessary, most species propagate with only 40%-60% relative
humidity) Molds are especially fond of building materials like
drywall, wood and carpets, as well as soft goods such as furniture and clothes. Every home offers a smorgasbord for eager spores!
Fueling the recent rise in mold problems are recent Federal
Regulations relating to energy conservation, which have
changed the way houses are built in the U.S. New construction methods and
materials create buildings don't "breathe" as freely, trapping moisture vapors inside. Many newer homes are built on concrete slabs, which emit moisture for several years as they cure, and because they are porous, moisture from the soil beneath the slab also vaporizes into the living space. |
 Leaky roofs, windows, and plumbing, whether caused by poor construction or lack of timely repairs, often result in colonization of mold and mildew spores. The microbial spores become airborne, spreading
on and inside wall cavities, behind cabinets and wallpaper, through ventilation
systems into closets and kitchen cabinets. When conditions are favorable, widespread contamination can occur in a surprisingly short time.
If you have any questions about potential mold sources in your
home or office, please call us at (760) 757.3606. |
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Most Common Sources of Mold Inside Homes & Offices
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Flooding
& Water Leaks |
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HVAC
Systems |
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Bath
Tubs, Shower Enclosures, Toilets, Faucets, Dishwashers, Refrigerator
Ice Makers, Hot Water Tanks, Sewer Back Ups, etc. |
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Air
Conditioner Pipes and Drip Pans, Swamp Cooler Pipes and Drip
Pans, Humidifiers, Furnaces and Filters, Duct Work, etc. |
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Irrigation |
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Poor
Drainage |
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Over
Watering; soil against house takes too long to dry or never
does. |
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Standing
water next to or under the house. Damp concrete slab. |
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Steam |
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Sweat |
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Showers,
Cooking, Broken dishwasher door seal, Humidifiers |
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Work
out clothing, Shoes that sweat, Sweaty or wet towels and
rags, etc. |
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Dark
Unventilated Areas |
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Construction |
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Closets
adjacent to exterior walls, Lockers, Furnace closets,
Bathrooms, Sink Faucet Cabinets, etc. |
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Roof
leaks, Leaks around roof vent stacks, chimneys, Gutters and
down spouts, Windows, Doors, Vents |
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Miscellaneous |
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Fish
tanks, Water beds, Vaporizers, Condensation o windows from
air conditioning, Laundry baskets, Household plants, etc. |
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Next Page: How to
Detect Mold Problems
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