Mold needs water in order to grow and spread. For this reason, technicians will locate all sources of water intrusion in a home or property. There are many possible sources of water intrusion, including but not limited to;
Small spaces subject to moisture level increase:
Because there is generally less ventilation in small spaces in a home, such as a low-ceiling basement or a crawl space, the difference in temperature can cause water spores which are circulating to remain stuck, allowing them to pile up and eventually cause over-humidification.
Raised Humidity Levels:
Some areas have higher humidity levels than others. Generally, those located near the shore or in moist environments experience higher levels of humidity. Although this is coming from outside, the humidity can affect the moisture level inside and ultimately cause mold growth.
Ventilation failure:
Homes and properties need to constantly be ventilated in order to keep a safe balance between the indoor air and the outdoor air pressure. An equal balance of air pressure should be maintained, in order to keep moisture from being forced into the home, which can cause mold growth.
Corrosion:
When corrosion and/or concentration are found on pipes, windows, and other structures, this can be a sign of a water leak or increased humidity. Pipes under sinks and high surfaces should be consistently checked for changes in condition.
Floods:
When weather breaks through normal conditions, such as floods or tornados, homes may not be equipped with the proper protection to withstand the intrusion of water into the home. In addition to weather issues, home flooding, such as drain or pipe flooding, can cause the home to experience an increased risk of mold growth. Unfortunately, by the time all the water is drained out and dried, mold has already begun to grow and spread at a fast pace. When flooding occurs, it is vital to remediate the property immediately in order to prevent any colossal damage to the property.
Indoor moist items:
Items which are kept indoors need to be dry at all times. This includes; carpets, rugs, toys, clothing lines, cabinets, etc… When an object, which is kept indoors, becomes wet, proper ventilation and dehydration is important so as not to keep the moisture level high indoors. Mold can result from improper care of household items.
Roof experiencing a leakage:
Although roofs are generally built to withstand all types of weather, it is important to look for signs of a leaky roof. Many times, mold found in the roof are not spotted until much of the mold has had the chance to spread. Consequently, it is helpful to routinely check for signs of water leaks in these locations.
