There are many different versions of mold, which is essentially a kind of fungus. Occurrences can happen both indoors and outdoors. When mold spores are floating around in the air, they land on a damp spot, where they begin to grow. Molds thrive in warm, moist environments, where they produce more spores that are released into the air. Mold in the home can be very dangerous for human health in the long run. There’s a wide range of issues that go with it, such as:
- Asthma attacks
- Coughing
- Itching eyes
- Permanent lung damage
- Serious allergic reactions
- Sneezing
Sometimes mold grows on walls, on our clothes, on toys, on books…as long as it’s damp, it will likely grow there. It’s also entirely possible that walls end up with mold growing inside them. In this blog, we’re going to focus on mold inside walls and the best way to address it.
Mold Grows Inside Walls When Flooding Occurs
Natural disasters can end up triggering floods, which causes considerable damage. It will take some time for a home structure to dry fully after floodwater courses through it. This will take up to weeks at a time, which is a long timeframe for mold to develop.
After all, mold growth only needs twenty-four hours before it starts.
Mold Grows Inside Walls When Humidity Is Poor
There’s a rather high risk for mold when a home is ventilated poorly. Pockets of moisture will manifest immediately; when paired with stagnant air, mold growth is more likely. Humidity comes from evaporating water and steam. It’s important to keep a balanced moisture level in circulation at all times.
Given that damp drywall can act as a source of food for mold, it’s ideal to keep an eye out for issues caused by poor humidity.
Mold Grows Inside Walls When the Foundation Has Water
Does the base of your home have water building up around it? That means the home will end up with many foundational problems sooner rather than later. Thankfully, there are certain ways to prevent all of this. It’s possible for rainwater to gather, but prevention is just as easy. Make sure the yard is sloping outwards from the foundation.
Damp basements, on the other hand, are another cause. Basements are often poorly ventilated, which makes them more prone to moisture and high humidity. Since heat rises, it follows that cold ends up in lower areas-including the basement. That also raises the likelihood of condensation, which is rather problematic.
Mold Grows Inside Walls When the Roof Leaks
When there are considerable leaks in the roofing system because of faulty pipes in the attic, mold is likely to grow. Checking in on the attic regularly is ideal so that any leaks can be found early on and nipped in the bud. Water spots are a good symptom, often on the ceiling.
Conclusion
There are many versions of mold, a lot of which can cause health issues. It can range from asthma attacks, itching eyes all the way to permanent lung damage. The likelihood of mold inside walls include signs such as the home’s foundation having water, flooding and poor humidity.
Looking for mold consultants that can help you with your walls? Contact Environmental Mold LLC today! We’re a leading full service mold and indoor air quality consulting firm.