Moisture Reduction: The Solution to Mold Problems

Finding mold in structure can be very serious. Mold is known to cause health problems in some individuals. Locating all of the mold, cleaning and removing the mold is a top priority. Then the cause of the mold must be addressed or the problem will reappear.

Mold grows in damp conditions. In order to remove mold permanently, you have to eliminate the source of dampness. Check for water seepage. Places most likely to have water seepage are basements, bathrooms and exterior walls, especially under windows and around doorways. Be sure to check all surfaces -- behind wall paper and dry wall, under carpets and tile and the ductwork and in the insulation.

A recent survey showed that there has been a 2/3 increase in mold issues over the last few years. This same survey also indicated that incidents of mold problems will continue to rise over the next three years. These problems were mostly due to water issues and bad indoor air quality. Most of the people surveyed stated inferior construction techniques, water seepage and poor indoor air quality were the cause of their mold problems. The majority of mold problems can be attributed to decaying walls and roofs, inferior construction, faulty plumbing, and condensation from improper insulation.

Water is the enemy here; it is the single most important factor in mold growth. Without moisture, mold cannot grow. Mold needs ambient temperature, moisture and a food source in order to grow and reproduce. Water or moisture in the home is the number one cause of mold growth. There are obvious ways water gets into a building like leaks from broken pipes or floods. However, there are other less obvious ways like condensation from improper insulation.

Mold professionals recognize the way to prevent mold from occurring in a home. They realize that if you control humidity and moisture, you will in turn reduce mold growth. This can be accomplished by installing proper insulation, improving ventilation systems and possibly adding dehumidifiers. Indoor air quality issues seem to be on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue over the next few years.

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