The Most Common Areas Where Mold Grows

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist environments. Many people think that mold only grows in dark, damp places. However, mold can actually develop anywhere there is moisture, even in well-lit rooms. Mold needs two things to grow: food and water. The food part is easy enough as mold can feed on just about anything organic, like wood, paper, dust, dead skin cell, or fabric. As for water, mold only needs a tiny bit - as little as 60% humidity to start growing.

Here we will go over the most common areas where mold grows and what you can do if you suspect that there is mold in your home.

Bathrooms and Showers

Another common place for mold to grow is in bathrooms and showers. This is because bathrooms are usually humid environments. To prevent mold from growing in your bathroom our friends over at Inspired Washrooms recommend: make sure to use an exhaust fan, inspect your grout for signs faillure, dry up or squeege any excess moisture, keep it clean (remember mold likes skin cells 🤢) and install a dehumidifer.

Attics

Attics are also prime spot for mold growth because they are often hot and humid. Particularly during the summer months when temperatures inside attics can soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Just like bathrooms and showers, attics need proper ventilation (via open windows, ridge vents or exhaust fans) to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to black mold growth. If you have an attic, make sure it is ventilated properly and always check for any signs of water damage.

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are often damp and humid, which provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. Regardless of the approach used, it is important to get rid of the mold as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading further throughout your home. Also, make sure your vapor barrier is intact. If it is missing or failing, it will allow moisture to come in to your home and will create further mold problems.

Areas With Recent Water Damage

One of the most common places for mold to grow is in areas that have recently suffered from water damage. If your home has been flooded or had storm damage that caused a roof leak, there is a good chance that mold has already started to grow. Building materials only have to be wet for more than 24 hours in order for mold to start going. Allowing those materials to stay conically wet will allow for black mold to start growing.

What to Do if You Suspect Mold in Your Home

Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory difficulties, skin irritation, and fatigue. If you have young children or elderly family members living in your home, they may be especially susceptible to the effects of mold. The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep your home clean and dry.

There are many different types of mold, and they can range in color. If you see any strange-looking growth or any water stains in your home it is important for to contact a licensed mold assessor to have it tested for mold. A professional will be able to properly assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Call The Pros

At Mold Masters, we specialize in air quality testing, mold removal, and mold remediation. Our team of experts will come to your home, perform a full inspection of your home, and develop a plan for how to remove mold for good. We understand how scary it can be to find mold in your home, and we're here to help.

For more information, contact us online or call one of our Florida locations: North at 904-397-4030, Central at 813-606-6668, or South at 239-961-9995. Between our locations, we have multiple inspectors in the field near you to help you have peace of mind about the air quality in your home.

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