Mold Hotspots in Homes and Businesses
Mold in homes and businesses can hide in a variety of places. It grows behind walls, in ceilings and under floor tile. It can also show up in crawl spaces and basements.
You can prevent mold from growing by lowering indoor humidity levels with air conditioning in summer and household ventilation using a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) in winter.
Basements
Mold in basements often develops in areas that have high humidity. This may be due to leaky basements or improper ventilation in this area of the house.
Unlike some strains of black mold, which simply have unpleasant smells, other varieties of mold can actually eat through wood and other building materials, leading to structural damage. This is why it’s crucial to get a professional inspection and mold removal as soon as you think you have mold in your basement.
The same goes for crawl spaces, which are likely to trap moisture in a cramped space. It’s also possible for this moisture to leak through ceilings and walls, which could lead to mold growth.
Kitchens
Mold spores are everywhere, so it's no surprise to find them on food, in clothes and in the air. But the fungi aren't just some nuisance; some species can also damage your home.
The spores that create mold need two things to grow: food and moisture. A kitchen is a magnet for both elements: food from food prep and cooking; dust, dirt and organic debris that's introduced regularly; and moist surfaces like floors, mats and baseboards.
The most likely spots where mold might grow in a kitchen include under sinks (cabinets too!); behind fridges and freezers; in dishwashers; near windows, where the fungus collects moisture from rain and condensation; and on window sills. All of these places need to be inspected and cleaned regularly for signs of mold.
Bathrooms
Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp areas. Black spots that look like gunk in your tile grout and the caulking around your tub or shower may be an indicator of a mold problem. Also pay attention to the general odor in your bathroom, it could be due to mold volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that have leaked into the air.
Bathrooms are likely to be a hot spot for mold growth because of repeated use of the bathtub and shower. Also because of humidity.
Living Rooms
Even though mold spores can float throughout your house and cause respiratory issues, some species of mold can also damage whatever it grows on. If you smell a musty, mildewy odor or see fuzzy, discolored spots on walls and furniture, the presence of these microorganisms in your living space could mean that a much larger problem is lurking nearby.
The fungi like to grow where oxygen, warmth and moisture meet. That makes the basement, crawl spaces and attics likely hotspots. The same goes for areas that are prone to condensation and poorly ventilated.
Among the more common molds found in living rooms are Penicillium, which is bluish-green and velvety to the touch, Stachybotrys, which is toxic black in color, and Cladosporium, which is olive green and suede-like. All three can cause allergies and some strains, such as Stachybotrys, secrete mycotoxins that wage war against your lungs.
Garages
Mold in garages is less of a pressing concern than it is in the home, but it still needs to be taken care of in a timely manner. Mold in a garage can lead to respiratory problems and even damage your vehicles and other valuables.
Mold thrives in dark, damp and confined environments. It also grows on cardboard, paper products, wood, fabric and concrete.
The key to stopping the spread of mold in your garage is to keep it dry. To do that, you must clean frequently and store items in waterproof containers. You should also install a drain system in your garage or squeegee the floor after rainy weather.
Contact Us For Mold Hotspot Inspections
If you are looking to detect mold in hotspots around your home, contact us to learn more today!