Prevent Mold Growth

Mold spores are present in every home, except in places where every unit of the space is sterile. Most of them are spread through the air. They just lay there, waiting for three conditions to make them alive, grow and flourish.

Three Conditions for Mold Growth

Mold needs at least three conditions to thrive:

1. Comfortable temperature

The temperature in crawlspaces, bathrooms, attics and basements and other places where it is almost dark provides a comfortable nesting place for molds.

2. Ready food source

Most surfaces where mold stay are sources of nutrition for mold. These could be fabrics, wood, paperboard, paper, carpet, firewood, mulch, drywall and food.

3. Water

Water is the element that triggers rapid mold growth, infestation and spread to other areas. Surfaces that stay wet for several days due to pipe leaks, roof leaks, water vapor and drainage problems can easily activate mold growth. If these surfaces are left wet for long periods of time, mold can sprout and spread quickly.

Most Common Toxic Molds

The most common molds adversely affecting health of adults and children belong to two categories of indoor mold: Penicillium and Aspergillus.

The most common molds that invade the home from outdoors are Cladosporium and Alternaria.

Mold Prevention Tips

You can stop the spread of molds. Just remove the elements and conditions that make them alive and thrive.

1. Install fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and water vapor.

2. Fix roof and plumbing leaks. If parts of your house are made of bricks, seal leaks with siloxane and silane water-repellent sealers.

3. Install hidden drains around your house to prevent water from infiltrating your basement and crawlspaces.

4. Increase the temperature in your basement.