Where Mold May Grow In Your Home

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly get out control and spread.

Top Hidden Places Where Mold May Grow In Your Indiana Home

While there are common places where most people find mold, like around showers and tubs, there are many places in a home or business where mold be hidden. These hidden areas can lead to further damage from mold, which is why it’s essential to check them regularly for any signs of moisture or condensation. In no particular order, here are the top places mold can grow in a home.

Crawl Spaces

Most homeowners never look into their crawl spaces, but they might want to. Crawl spaces can easily collect moisture from water seeping through the foundation to moisture rising from the ground. A crawl space should have a vapor barrier on the ground to keep moisture from rising. A crawl space also needs adequate ventilation to allow any water that may collect to flow out. Failure to keep the moisture out from your crawl space can result in mold growth on the exposed framing of your home. The mold can eventually lead to excessive damage to all wood surfaces and make its way into the house.

 Basements

Basements are similar to crawl spaces, but they are open and exposed to the rest of the house and can spread mold quickly throughout your home via the air ducts and open doors. If your basement smells musty, then you either have mold growth already happening or a high possibility of it occurring. Since many basements are furnished and carpeted, more areas in a basement are perceptible to mold growth compared to a crawl space.

Bathrooms

A good ventilation fan is vital in a bathroom for odor and moisture issues. This is especially true with bathrooms where there are showers in them. While everybody loves a hot shower, a hot shower also creates a large amount of moisture that can lead to mold growth. Another area where mold may grow is behind toilets and under sinks with cabinets. Moisture can condensate on the toilet tank and wall, causing mold to form on the wall.

Under the Refrigerator

Some refrigerators have drip pans where water can collect. If dust or debris gets into the drip pan, mold can start to grow. Water can also leak from the water line or drip from the cooling coils. It’s a good idea to check every few months and keep it clean by sweeping and vacuuming regularly.

Around the Washing Machine

The washing machine and the dryer are both susceptible to mold growth. If the dryer vent hose does not properly vent out the steam from the drying clothes, it can accumulate in the hose or around the back of the dryer, causing mold to grow. Washing machines can also leak and drip down under the machine where dust can gather, creating the perfect home for mold growth. Just like the refrigerator, cleaning the areas and checking underneath them often is essential.

Top Ways to Reduce Mold Growth In Your Home

So now that you know where mold growth can happen, how can you reduce the likelihood of mold growing in your home? First, as stated above, cleaning your house of dust is essential by regularly sweeping and vacuuming. While dust doesn’t necessarily cause mold to grow, dust and moisture can.

The most important thing to reduce mold growth from happening in your home is to control and eliminate any moisture problems in your home. Check for leaks and condensation around sinks, appliances, and air conditioning units. If you have a musty basement, ensure that your sump pump operates correctly. You may also want to consider a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air. If you have water seeping in from the basement walls or crawl space foundation, you’ll want to look at the drainage around your home.

Mold Remediation in Indianapolis, Indiana

If you should experience mold growth and damage to your Indianapolis-area home or business, call the mold remediation professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West at 317-243-3149. The professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West have the specialized equipment, professional training, and certifications to treat and remediate mold in your home or business quickly.