When undiscovered, mold can ruin a home. A lot of us aren’t aware they have mold problems until it surfaces on basement drywall or around bathing room tubs. Mold is a fungus that multiplies quickly through a “mold bloom”, which is a mold network that shoots off spores that reproduce and cover anything in the area. Because mold likes dark, damp areas to grow, it is usually found in basements, bathrooms and other interior walls that might have exterior moisture problems.
There are a number of things that can cause mold to get started. When you have a dark, moist area, the only things that mold needs to flourish are temperatures from 60-75 degrees and some kind of food source, which can be carpet glue or drywall paper. Since these are the favorite conditions for mold to grow, there are a number of places you might find mold growing.
In the bathroom, you will find mold in the corners where the tub meets the tile, typically where caulking should be in place. Many people don’t realize that you should caulk around tubs and showers on an annual basis to keep air and moisture from getting behind the wall and tub. You will want to be sure that the bathroom has an exhaust fan that runs when the light is on to take excess moisture out of the room when taking a bath or shower.
Make sure to constantly check the basement for damp or musty smells as that might be a signal of mold-causing moisture. Making sure that rooms are dry can keep mold from growing. Natural light from windows should allow sunshine to come in to discourage mold.
You will want to check your home’s exterior, as well. Clogged downspouts, guttering that spills against the foundation and a grade that is sloped towards the home can cause moisture to form against the foundation walls and encourage mold growth on the interior. By keeping the exterior moisture out, you will discourage mold from growing inside.
Keep an eye out in the attic with a particular eye on leaks from the roof. Leaking roofs can cause mold to form in the hot, moist attic space and there are cases where water could be leaking down the interior of your walls. Not only do you ought to discourage mold growth, but you also want to protect your home from moisture damage. Periodically checking all of the exterior areas of your home and repairing them quickly can save you large amounts of money in the long run.
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