Black Mold in the Home
High
Humidity If you live in an area with high humidity, then
you should always be on the lookout for potential mold
problems. Naturally, the outdoor humidity affect indoor
humidity levels, creating a perfect environment for toxic
mold growth.
Mold needs moisture in order to grow and thrive. Many
mold problems originate as a result of some kind of water
intrusion, especially those that are not resolved quickly.
In which case, water and pipe leaks are common culprits,
since they provide plenty of moisture, and are often undetected
for days, months, or even years if minor enough.
Mold problems are very common after flooding for obvious
reasons (plenty of moisture which is conducive for mold
growth). Plus, it usually requires several days or weeks
to fully dry out the home or building once flooding occurs,
giving colonies of black mold more than adequate time
to become fully ingrained in these sections.
Odors
can often be the first or only sign of a potential mold
problem, since mold commonly propagates in places not normally
in view. This does not necessarily mean that you definitely
have a mold problem, but it should prompt you to look for
the other signs, or to look for the mold growth itself
If
one or more people living in a house, or working in a building
(especially if it is an unusually high percentage of occupants)
begin suffering allergic reactions that seem to be associated
with your home or building, then it could be due to the presence
of high levels of mold, especially if other signs are also present.
This may mean that people began experiencing much more allergic
and respiratory-related symptoms after moving into a home, or
after beginning to work in a building.
Like
other types of water leaks, water intrusion through the roof
is difficult to find until it is too late. If you suspect a
leaky roof, check in the attic for signs of water damage or
mold growth. Also be on the lookout for signs of water damage
or mold growth in ceilings on the uppermost floor of the home.
Basements
and crawl spaces tend to receive less ventilation (especially
crawl spaces), while also seeing cooler temperatures. With all
things being equal, cooler temperatures will lead to a higher
relative humidity percentage, since cooler air is able to hold
less water before condensation occurs. Of course condensation
means moisture.
Yellowish
stains on walls and ceilings are a sign of excessive moisture.
In more obvious cases, where mold growth may already be in full
swing, the wall or ceiling may have a greenish, brownish, or
blackish discoloration to it. You may also notice places where
the paint is coming off due to moisture, or where it is "bowing"
out
Bathrooms
are a favorite breeding ground of mold. The increased moisture
and common presence of tile in bathrooms are each highly conducive
to the proliferation of mold colonies. Tile grout is porous
and will allow water penetration, and behind the tiles themselves.
In addition, dirt and other grime (favorite foods of mold) are
easily trapped in the grout. This combination creates an ideal
environment for mold to thrive. Even if some type of sealant
is applied, tiles expand and contract, and pieces of grout will
eventually break off, compromising the seal. (preventing mold
growth in tiles/bathroom)
If
the air pressure in your home is "negative", meaning the air
pressure outside is greater than it is inside, then it will
force moisture and contaminates back into the home. If the air
pressure is well into the "positive" side, then it can cause
moisture to be forced into walls. The air pressure in your home
should be slightly positive, or at least balanced.
