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Writer's pictureJason Ramirez

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MOLD GROWTH ON DRYWALL?

Updated: Feb 13

Welcome, Here will touch on the different causes of mold growth on drywall.


While there are no hard numbers on just how many homes across the country have toxic mold growth beneath their walls, it’s safe to say that hundreds of thousands, and maybe even millions, of houses have been affected by mold. What are there causes? And if you think mold is just a cosmetic, structural issue, you couldn’t be more wrong. The fact is mold exposure can be seriously dangerous to you and your family, and if you’re breathing in the mold that’s growing in your house, you could be putting your health at risk.

Mold exposure can cause numerous health problems, including sneezing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, red eyes, skin rashes, asthma attacks, and a slew of other nasty symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to address mold problems quickly and decisively to protect the health of your family and to keep your home in tiptop condition.

To properly combat mold problems in the home, it’s important to understand what causes mold of mold growth on the drywall in the first place. Mold thrives in particular conditions. By identifying these risk factors, you can limit the potential for a mold problem in your home. So what are the causes of mold in a house or business, lets go over it.



Visible mold growth on the drywall in a home
Mold growth on Drywall



HERE ARE THE 6 MAJOR CAUSES OF MOLD ON DRYWALL IN A HOME.




1. Water leaks in Your Home

Water leaks and mold go hand in hand. Leaky pipes, a leaky roof, and flooding are all common causes of mold in houses. As leaky pipes and roof leaks are concerned, these are especially dangerous because they can sometimes go undetected for an extended period of time since they are hidden from view. By the time the leak is discovered, the mold has already started spreading and you have a serious problem on your hands. That’s why it’s important to check your home regularly for leaks and to clean up water damage immediately and thoroughly to limit the chances of mold growing in your home.

2. Condensation and Indoor Mold

Like a water leak, condensation issues in the home can also cause mold growth. Cold surfaces around your home can create condensation. Air conditioning vents, windows, and metal pipes are all areas where condensation often occurs and creates prime growing conditions for mold. Pay attention to these problem areas and keep them as dry as possible.

3. High humidity levels

Mold thrives in humid conditions. If the weather outside is really humid or if your home has high indoor humidity levels, it’s possible that mold can start growing around your house. If you use a humidifier in your home, it’s recommended that you keep the humidity level below 55% as some molds can grow at anything higher than this level. You should also avoid hanging up clothes to dry indoors as this can cause humidity problems inside your house.

4. Dark, Damp Areas and Mold

Mold can’t grow under ultraviolet light. That’s why it tends to grow in dark areas around the house, such as behind the walls, in the basement, in the attic, or in various corners and poorly lit spaces. Pay special attention to these dark areas when looking for signs of mold growth in your home.

5. Warmth and Humidity

Mold can’t grow in frigid temperatures, so it tends to be most prevalent in warmer clients. If you live in a hot area, make sure you keep your home at a cool temperature to help prevent mold from thriving in the heat.

6. Poor Ventilation

Poorly ventilated homes can create areas where moist, stagnant air hangs around. This is very common in shower areas where steam and water can’t evaporate properly due to bad ventilation in the home. This means water takes longer to dry, allowing mold to thrive. Good ventilation is very important in preventing mold, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.


7. Organic Matter

Drywall contains organic materials, such as cellulose, which can serve as a food source for mold. Dust and dirt that accumulate on the surface of drywall can also provide nutrients for mold growth.


8. Poor Construction Practices

Improper installation of drywall, such as inadequate sealing of seams or gaps, can allow moisture to penetrate the material, promoting mold growth behind walls or in hidden areas. External factors such as landscaping that directs water towards the building, improper grading, or a lack of proper drainage of downspouts around the foundation can result in moisture intrusion and contribute to mold growth inside the walls.


UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF MOLD IN HOUSES IS KEY TO PREVENTION

To prevent mold growth on drywall, it's important to address any sources of moisture promptly, ensure proper ventilation, maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%, promptly repair any leaks or water damage, and employ mold-resistant building materials and construction techniques where appropriate. Regular inspection and maintenance of the building envelope can also help prevent mold problems before they develop.


For more helpful information call Mold Inspection Service today









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