8 Common Causes of Mold: Find Out How to Prevent It and When to Call for Help

Mold is a common problem that thrives in damp, dark environments, often leading to health concerns and structural damage to your home. Whether it’s a hidden leak, high humidity, or poor ventilation, mold can spread around your home if not spotted or addressed in time. Understanding why mold develops can help you take proactive steps to prevent mold in your home. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 8 common causes of mold, what you can do to protect your home from this persistent issue, and when to call for professional mold removal in Springfield MO.

What Are the 8 Common Causes of Mold Growth?

Even though there are various mold types, they all have one thing in common: they like moist and humid environments. Let’s explore some of the common causes of mold and see what you can do to reduce the chances of its growth inside your home.

Moist Environment

The number one reason behind mold is moisture, and damp areas in your home provide the perfect breeding ground. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are especially prone to mold growth due to the humidity and steam caused by everyday activities.

Common sources of excess moisture:

• Leaky pipes under sinks or behind walls.
• Condensation on windows, walls, or ceilings.
• High indoor humidity from showers, cooking, or drying clothes indoors.

Prevention tips: 

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity. 
• Ventilate humid areas.
• Fix leaks as soon as you spot them.

Unnoticed Pipe Leaks

Leaks inside walls, floors, or ceilings can create a damp environment where mold can thrive. Even a small, slow leak is likely to create perfect conditions for mold growth after water damage if it goes unnoticed for a long time.

Warning signs of a hidden leak:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls.
• Warped or bubbling paint.
• Unexplained damp spots or musty odors.

Prevention tips:

• Inspect your plumbing regularly.
• Fix leaks quickly.
• Install water leak detectors in areas at a higher risk.

Damaged or Leaky Roofs

Water finds a way to seep into attics, ceilings, and walls through cracks in your roof. Poor attic ventilation can also trap moisture inside, worsening the problem.

Prevention tips:

• Check for missing or damaged shingles and repair them immediately.
• Check your attic for water stains or musty odors.
• Ensure proper attic ventilation to reduce trapped moisture.

High Humidity Levels

Indoor humidity levels above 60% can speed up mold growth, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Prevention tips:

• Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity inside below 50%.
• Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens with exhaust fans when showering or cooking.
• Tackle any leaks and improve airflow to avoid moisture buildup.

Flooding Events

Flooding can leave behind hidden moisture in walls, floors, and insulation, which can fuel mold growth for months if the water-damaged materials aren’t properly dried. 

Prevention tips:

• Remove water quickly with professional extraction equipment.
• Thoroughly dry affected areas using dehumidifiers and air movers.
• Check for mold growth in hidden areas like wall cavities and subfloors.

For more strategies on avoiding water damage inside your property, read our blog on Water Damage Prevention Strategies.

Poor Ventilation

With air having nowhere to go, moisture gets trapped inside attics, crawlspaces, and bathrooms, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

Prevention tips:

• Install ventilation fans in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
• Open windows and doors to create a draft and let air out.
• Use moisture-resistant materials in high-humidity areas.

Damp Crawlspaces

Crawlspaces are often cool and damp, making them prime locations for mold growth due to high humidity.

Prevention tips:

• Install a sump pump to prevent water buildup.
• Use a dehumidifier to control humidity inside the crawlspace.
• Seal cracks in the foundation to stop water intrusion.

HVAC System Condensation

HVAC systems can trap moisture inside ducts, providing a hidden place for mold to grow. When air circulates, mold spores spread throughout the home.

Prevention tips:

• Clean HVAC ducts and filters regularly.
• Ensure condensation is properly drained.
• Schedule routine HVAC maintenance to prevent moisture buildup.

Keeping Mold Away from Your Living Space

Mold thrives in moist, poorly ventilated environments, and if not spotted or removed in time, it can cause health problems and damage your home. By addressing common mold causes, such as leaks, humidity, and poor ventilation, and understanding the dangers of mold growth, you can reduce the risk of mold growth inside your living space. However, if you suspect or spot mold in your home, professional mold inspection and remediation are inevitable.

Contact Us Today to Get Expert Mold Remediation!

If you notice musty odors, water damage, or visible mold, act immediately because mold spreads fast and contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield for professional mold inspection and remediation. Call us at (417) 302-3010 to fill out this online form for a free quote and protect your home today!