Mold requires 3 conditions being present to develop & grow

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Not sure if what you are seeing at your property is mold? Call now for a professional assessment.

While mold spores can be found naturally all around us, what we do not want is an oversaturation indoors. Mold can be damaging to affected materials plus is an allergen for some. How water damages are handled could depend on an area ending up having mold issues sooner than later. If a water leak is small, in an inconspicuous place, or intermittent, the leak may go unnoticed until a musty smell develops or moldy patches become visible. After a passing storm, a wet area of a ceiling, wall, or floor affected by moldy spots may become visible. Yet in other situations such as a room flooding, bacteria can multiply and mold could develop inside a wall cavity, which really won’t be easily seen unless the baseboard is removed or the wall is cut open.

By taking active measures when dealing with any sort of unexpected water damages, mold prevention is definitely doable, especially when a reliable restoration company like SERVPRO of West Covina is brought in to assist. Also, understanding how mold develops, grows, and continues to flourish will help aid you towards preventative measures. Regardless of how mold occurs it always needs the following to actively grow:

1. MOISTURE TO GROW AND FLOURISH

Without moisture, mold cannot grow. Moisture can be present from having a large fish tank; poor ventilation in bathroom showers, or at points of entry; hot steamy cooking combined with poor ventilation can cause condensation on walls or window sills; water seeping from a toilet, sink, bathtub, a supply line or the obvious: a sudden water pipe rupture or spill. Be sure to thoroughly dry wet areas from spills or other wet materials as soon as possible. And, if poor ventilation is an issue, strive to get adequate air-flow by opening windows or doors each morning for a gentle cross breeze. A little bit of sunlight streaming in will freshen the air. By creating the healthy habit of achieving adequate daily air circulation, you will benefit your health but also it will be a proactive step towards good property maintenance

2. ORGANIC MATERIAL AS A FOOD SOURCE

Without a food source, mold cannot grow. If water or moisture is present then naturally-occurring microscopic and buoyant mold spores will seek out organic materials to feed on. Paper backing of drywall, wood framing, flooring, trim, cabinets will be ideal for mold to develop on and begin to flourish. As long as the moisture persists, the spores will continue to eat their food source and off-gas. That musty smell is a telltale sign that nearby mold spores are actively eating, growing, and spreading.

3. COMFY TEMPERATURES LIKE TYPICAL INDOOR SETTINGS

Without “ideal” temperatures, mold cannot grow. If indoor temperatures are too extremely cold or excessively hot, mold may not thrive. Most molds cannot grow below 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will grow best between 70 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the cozy temperatures we typically keep our homes at. Add in humidity, dampness, or wetness, and mold will feel right at home in those comfortable conditions. Interesting to note: A couple of degrees below freezing or heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or even using common cleaning agents could only cause spores to go dormant. They may stay that way until reactivated at another time if water is reintroduced along with all its other necessary components listed above.

As professional mold remediation experts, depending on the situation but still, our main protocol for best dealing with mold is through the REMOVAL of all moldy materials. Call today for a free inspection to ensure your environment is kept free of any of the potential health effects of mold.