Mold growth is a common problem in homes in Columbia, Missouri, especially during the warm and humid summer months. Understanding why mold growth occurs can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent and address the problem. Here are some reasons why mold growth happens in homes in Columbia, Missouri.
Humidity: Columbia experiences high humidity levels throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. Mold loves to grow in hot, humid conditions. This is why many homes and buildings in Columbia, especially those with poor ventilation, are susceptible to mold growth. Taking proactive steps to reduce humidity such as using a dehumidifier or increasing ventilation can help lower humidity levels and reduce the chances of mold. Speaking of poor ventilation …
Poor Ventilation: Proper ventilation and good air flow are important in preventing mold growth. Without proper ventilation, moisture can accumulate in the air and on surfaces, providing a breeding ground for mold. Many homes and buildings in Columbia, particularly older ones, have inadequate ventilation systems, leading to increased mold growth. A prime example might be in a bathroom where the vent is not working properly. This allows moisture to accumulate on shower and bathroom walls, instead of being dried out with a properly working fan, and thereby increasing the chances of mold.
Water Damage: Water damage can occur in homes for various reasons, such as floods, leaks, and plumbing issues. If not addressed promptly, water damage can lead to mold growth. Many homes in Columbia have suffered from water damage due to flooding or severe weather, leading to increased mold growth. If you experience a flood or water damage in your home, it is essential to dry out your home as quickly as possible, as mold growth can begin to occur in as little as 24-48 hours.
Construction Materials: The construction materials used in homes can also contribute to mold growth. Many older homes throughout the United States, including those in Columbia, Missouri were constructed with materials that are susceptible to moisture damage, such as wood and drywall. These materials can absorb moisture and provide a breeding ground for mold.
Lack of Maintenance: Lack of maintenance can also contribute to mold growth in homes. If homeowners do not regularly clean and inspect their homes for mold, it can easily grow unnoticed. In addition, failing to repair leaks or replace damaged materials can provide a breeding ground for mold.
In summary, humidity, poor ventilation, water damage, construction materials, and lack of maintenance all contribute to mold growth in homes in Columbia, Missouri. Homeowners should take proactive measures to prevent and address mold growth, such as using dehumidifiers, improving ventilation, repairing water damage promptly, and regularly inspecting and cleaning their homes. If mold growth is suspected, it is important to seek professional mold removal services to ensure the safety and health of residents.
You see mold. Now what?
This may surprise you, but if you have an obvious mold problem, in most cases, you do NOT need to spend money on a mold test or inspection. Why? Because regardless of the type of mold you have, the proper procedure for removing it does not change. If you have an obvious mold problem, you can skip the mold testing or inspection and save the money towards fixing the mold issue.
Ok, I have an obvious mold problem. I don’t need a mold test. Can I fix the problem myself?
In some cases, yes you probably can fix your mold problem on your own. But it’s going to depend on many factors such as the size of the mold problem, what is causing it, and your skillset with using tools and being handy. But small everyday problems like mold in your bathtub can typically be fixed on your own with just an over the counter product like Clorox Cleanup, and some elbow grease! But this also assumes you don’t have something more complex going on below the surface, like a water leak.
But in many cases, when the mold problem is smaller (say less than 10 Sq Feet or so, per the EPA) and no water damage has occurred, you can fix the problem on your own.
What about bigger mold problems? Or what if I am not sure?
If you are uncertain whether you have a larger mold issue or not, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you have without any obligation to hire us. We also provide mold inspections, mold testing and mold removal services if you are looking to hire a professional. If you have an obvious mold problem, we can provide you with a free quote for mold removal. But if you are not certain you have a mold issue, we can also offer mold testing.
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