Common Sources of Excessive Indoor Moisture
There are a number of things that cause moisture inside the home. Some of those depend on the location and area the home is in and others depend on the time of year. It’s nearly impossible for mold to grow in freezing temperatures, but during those cold times we turn the heat up which allows mold to grow.
Here are several of the common sources you need to look for inside your home so you can prevent moisture from forming.
Humidity Levels
Humidity levels can be a big problem when it comes to mold. This is one of the best ways for mold to grow, so it’s important to do what you can to control the levels in your home. This common source can be caused by the temperature and the area you live in, so you’ll want to monitor this source.
Summertime
The summer can cause problems when it comes to mold. The main reason summertime becomes a common source for indoor moisture is due to air conditioners, changing temperatures in the home, humidity levels, and excessive moisture due to these changes.
Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation in your attic can be another source of moisture in your home. When you don’t have the proper ventilation in your attic the moisture that seeps in will migrate through your home’s interior causing mold to grow. There is a specific size requirement for the ventilation system, so it’s important to have this correct to prevent the moisture from seeping into your home.
Humdifiers
Humidifiers, while helpful in many ways, often times cause moisture problems. Humidifiers are used in dry areas and help when a person has dry nasal passages and static electricity seems to be an issue. It’s important to keep an eye on the humidity levels if you choose to use one because of the issues they fix or prevent.
Appliances
There are certain appliances in your home that can produce moisture with or without your knowledge. Refrigerators and freezers have water in them and if they leak or are not working properly moisture can seep out of them and cause problems in the area they reside. It’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re working properly at all times.
Cracks and Holes
Cracks and holes in your home can cause moisture to seep into your walls. This can be caused by a number of things, but mainly are caused by cracks in the foundation caused by settling, incorrectly installed windows and doors, or when insulation is added to your home after it’s built.
Water and moisture can create conditions ideal for mold, mildew and other related bacterial growth. When we are immediately brought in for mold remediation after water damage, there is a significant decrease in the ability for these agents to grow.
If we discover mold and/or mildew contamination, our professional ethics and certifications require us to report the contamination to the home owner and the insurance company to protect the occupants and our employees from any unsafe or unnecessary exposure to contaminants. We will present remediation options which give cost effective methods to deal with the mold and/or mildew.
