One of the biggest health risks in houses is black mold, which can cause many problems, such as asthma, chronic fatigue, headaches, and more, especially for people who suffer from allergies. Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is very common in houses because it feeds on many of the materials in our houses, such as wood, drywall and carpets.
Mold spores are easily brought into our homes, carried on the air or attached to the people or pets that live in the home. Most types of mold thrive in warm environments that are damp and humid, and that means that many of the rooms in our homes are perfect breeding grounds for mold.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Mold In Houses?
As mentioned, mold loves warm, damp and humid places and what better place for it to thrive than in a bathroom? You have just enjoyed a warm shower, the room hasn’t been properly ventilated and the dampness and humidity remain. Often we find mold growing in bathrooms that are not well ventilated.
Damp clothes and towels are also a good breeding ground for mold, and you might find mold growing on any damp fabric left lying around, for example, clothes that have come out of the washing machine and have been left in a pile for some time instead of being dried immediately.
Home Floods
Home floods also cause mold in houses. You may have experienced a flood due to rain or maybe a faulty appliance. This water should be removed from the house as soon as possible and the house should be dried quickly to prevent damage and mold from growing. It only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing, which means that a flood in your home puts you at great risk of black mold.
Leaks
Leaks are also a common cause of mold in homes. One of the biggest problems with leaks, both leaky pipes and roof leaks is that they are not always detected early enough to prevent mold from growing. Many times when these leaks are discovered mold has already started to grow. Leaks in pipes can’t always be prevented but you can inspect your gutters and downspouts to prevent roof leaks. Attics are also a breeding ground for mold as they are located right under the roof.
Damp Basements
Basements are usually not well ventilated and therefore contain more moisture than the other areas of the house, this leads to mold. They are also prone to leaks because they are lower than the rest of the house so water from outside may enter through the basement. It is therefore important to inspect your basement regularly to ensure there is no mold growth.