The Common Causes of Mold in Gulf Coast Homes
The last thing you want in your house is a toxigenic mold growth. Certain types of mold, like the dreaded “black mold,” are known to cause a number of health ailments. You may experience difficulty breathing, headaches, confusion, dizziness, asthma-like symptoms, and sometimes far worse. The more extensive the exposure, the worse your symptoms.However, mold infestations are preventable. You can take precautionary methods in your Gulf Coast home to ensure mold doesn’t settle to feast. Here are the common causes of mold and when to schedule professional mold remediation.
Common Causes of Mold in Gulf Coast Homes
Mold is able to grow in almost any environment. It’s commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, cabinets, and anywhere near your plumbing pipes. To grow, mold only requires a bit of moisture, darkness, and humidity. You’ll find all three during a water damage ordeal in your home.
High Humidity
One of the most common causes of mold in a Gulf Coast home is persistent, high humidity. We live in an area with high humidity almost year-round, which makes it tough to combat mold effectively.
Most commonly, humidity will lead to the type of mold that thrives inside of walls, ceilings, and dark spaces, like under the sink or in cabinets. To prevent this, you need proper ventilation; additionally, consider investing in a dehumidifier for your house.
Leaking Pipes
If you discover mold behind your drywall or within cabinets, it’s likely caused by leaking pipes in the area. Even a single, minor leak can lead to ceiling and wall mold that expands and consumes quickly.
If you notice this mold, check for leaks – watch your monthly water bill and look for signs of wetness around the home.
Built-Up Condensation
If you’re not careful, condensation can build up within the home due to temperature fluctuations. Many of the cold surfaces in your home, such as metal pipes or floor tiles, when exposed to excessive heat, will ultimately start to “sweat.” This moisture, when accumulating in the right spots, will ultimately allow mold the foothold it needs.
Poor Ventilation
Your home requires proper ventilation in key areas – bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and the attic – to prevent the spread and growth of mold. Any stagnant, humid air will allow most types of mold entrance into your property.
You can remove the moisture by having proper ventilation installed, running the air conditioning system, and investing in a dehumidifier for key areas of the home. Some air conditioning systems even have a built-in dehumidifier for this purpose.
Invest in your home to prevent significant mold growth in moisture-prone areas. Call Restoration 1 of Gulf Coast for 24-hour mold remediation services at the first sign of an infestation anywhere in your home. You can reach us at 228-231-9745!