Why is there Mold in Your Home?

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Growing in Damp Drywall

Mold is ubiquitous, meaning it is always present and a part of the fungal ecology necessary for life. When present the goal is for it to be in balance. What does this mean? The most common comparison is outside conditions compared to inside occupied buildings. When a mold exists outside and it is either not inside or is closely aligned with interior presence it is considered normal or in balance. This does not apply when individuals are immunocompromised or business processes require better indoor air quality. Contact a company to request mold testing. SERVPRO of Fayetteville can assist you with testing services. Services include air sampling and surface sampling using specified procedures and testing supplies.

In general, mold has three requirements to reproduce. 1. Food 2. Range of temperature 3. Moisture. Of the three requirements water is the easiest to control. Mold can process a wide variety of materials (paper, wood, bio-film, food, biodegradable materials) into a food source. Mold is adaptable to a wide variety of temperatures. Especially considering the interior temperature is controlled to accommodate occupants. The remaining requirement, water, is the easiest to control. A three-legged stool is one example of a method in controlling mold growth. If each leg is one of the requirements, and one of the legs is removed the stool falls. The leg representing moisture is the one to remove. 

A few tips to prevent excess moisture are to remove and dry water from floor surfaces, exhaust air from bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, observe appliances (ice maker, washing machine, and dishwasher) to detect slow leaks, and check rooms used infrequently. Rooms used infrequently allow additional time for moisture present to promote mold growth. Leave doors open to areas not in use to allow air movement.

SERVPRO of Fayetteville is trained and qualified to assist you with safe mold removal.