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Mold is one of the most dangerous consequences of water damage. It can form in the right environment in as little as 24 hours! This is why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs that mold might be beginning to form.
What is Mold?
You may think it is obvious, but mold is made up of thousands of different species with varying characteristics. However, there are some commonalities. All types of mold are fungi and have the same filament structure. This is why some mold appears fuzzy. Luckily, you don’t need to know everything there is to know about mold if you know what conditions are necessary for mold growth. Create an environment that isn’t conducive to its growth and you won’t have to worry about any type of mold in your home.
How Does Mold Develop?
Across nearly every species of mold, there are conditions where they grow best. These are an entrance, food, and a moist environment.
When we say an entrance we mean that spores have to get into your home. Mold reproduces through spores. These extremely small cells have adapted so they can spread far. Something like your HVAC unit can easily transport spores directly into your home. This is why it’s important to change out your air filters every month so you can catch spores before they grow into full-on mold.
However, no home can maintain an air-tight seal. Spores are likely to get in. Unfortunately, you can’t prevent mold from having food to snack on. Your home is made of organic materials like wood and insulation. These are perfect for a mold colony to grow on.
Luckily, the third factor is where you can most easily discourage mold growth. Mold loves a dark damp environment. Areas like your basement and attic are most susceptible. It’s important to be aware of leaks in these areas since you likely don’t inspect them too often. Ensure your indoor humidity stays in check. You want it to be somewhere between 20% and 30% ideally.
Mold growth is gross and unhealthy for everyone in your home. Even if you keep an eye on the moisture in your home, it can be hard to prevent. Luckily, our pros can remove it for you. We’ve seen it all over the years and will work with you to fix the problem in your home and restore it to the best condition.
If you need our services or would like to learn more, just give our team at Home Services Restoration a call at (240) 348-9566 or fill out our online contact form!