Indoor Mold Sources

Molds and mildew are everywhere in our environment. In nature, they perform the very important function of breaking down organic matter. Indoors, under ideal conditions they can eventually destroy everything they come in contact with. Molds need very little to survive and flourish: air, moisture and food. (liquid water isn't necessary, most species propagate with only 40%-60% relative humidity) Molds are especially fond of building materials like drywall, wood and carpets, as well as soft goods such as furniture and clothes. Every home offers a smorgasbord for eager spores! Fueling the recent rise in mold problems are recent Federal Regulations relating to energy conservation, which have changed the way houses are built in the U.S. New construction methods and materials create buildings that don't "breathe" as freely, trapping moisture vapors inside. Many newer homes are built on concrete slabs, which emit moisture for several years as they cure, and because they are porous, moisture from the soil beneath the slab also vaporizes into the living space.

Leaky roofs, windows, and plumbing, whether caused by poor construction or lack of timely repairs, often result in colonization of mold and mildew spores. The microbial spores become airborne, spreading on and inside wall cavities, behind cabinets and wallpaper, through ventilation systems into closets and kitchen cabinets. When conditions are favorable, widespread contamination can occur in a surprisingly short time.If you have any questions about potential mold sources in your home or office, please call us at (954) 777-2175.

Most Common Sources of Mold Inside Homes & Offices
Flooding & Water Leaks	HVAC Systems
Bath Tubs, Shower Enclosures, Toilets, Faucets, Dishwashers, Refrigerator Ice Makers, Hot Water Tanks, Sewer Back Ups, etc.	Air Conditioner Pipes and Drip Pans, Swamp Cooler Pipes and Drip Pans, Humidifiers, Furnaces and Filters, Duct Work, etc.
Irrigation	Poor Drainage
Over Watering; soil against house takes too long to dry or never does.	Standing water next to or under the house. Damp concrete slab.
Steam	Sweat
Showers, Cooking, Broken dishwasher door seal, Humidifiers	Work out clothing, Shoes that sweat, Sweaty or wet towels and rags, etc.
Dark Unventilated Areas	Construction
Closets adjacent to exterior walls, Lockers, Furnace closets, Bathrooms, Sink Faucet Cabinets, etc.	Roof leaks, Leaks around roof vent stacks, chimneys, Gutters and down spouts, Windows, Doors, Vents
Miscellaneous
Fish tanks, Water beds, Vaporizers, Condensation o windows from air conditioning, Laundry baskets, Household plants, etc.