Remember that mold requires warm, dark, humid conditions with
access to organic materials in order to proliferate in your home.
Unfortunately, there are many locations within the typical home that may meet
these requirements. Our Boston-based mold removal company would like to talk
about some of the common hotspots for mold growth that homeowners need to be
aware of:
1. Carpet.
Carpeted areas capture and hold dirt which can potentially
serve as nutrients for the growth of mold. Combine that dirt with humid
conditions during the summer or potential spills, leaks, or flooding, and you
have a recipe for potential mold growth in your home. Major risk factors
include a lack of air flow from your HVAC system and areas frequently traversed
by shoes, which can increase the amount of dirt particulates carried in from
the outdoors. To avoid mold growth, try to ensure that all carpeted areas are
free from excess moisture, have access to sufficient air flow, and that any
water from spills, leaks or floods are extracted and dried with fans or
dehumidifiers as quickly as possible.
2. Wall Interiors.
One of the most difficult locations to treat
potential mold growth where we commonly see at PowerBees is the interior space
between cavity walls. Mold can sometimes gain access to these locations through
leaks from the roof or duct system in homes. Moisture in the air flowing
through the home can also condense on wall surfaces, allowing mold the
opportunity to thrive. Make sure that vapor barriers were properly installed
during the construction of your home and that any leaks in your roof or duct
system are quickly detected through regular maintenance.
3. Ductwork.
Air supplied to your
home contains some level of moisture, and this moisture has the potential to
accumulate in your duct system. Any damage to your insulation or to the
ductwork in your home can cause issues with moisture condensation on duct
exteriors and potential issues with air-flow rates that could cause a chain
reaction of mold growth in your home. Perform regular duct maintenance yourself
or consider hiring a company like PowerBees, a Boston mold removal company, that performs
professional ductwork cleaning and maintenance services.
4. Electrical Equipment.
Electrical
fixtures, cables, and equipment boxes can be a hotspot for mold growth in your
home. Examine the surrounding areas of electrical switches, ceiling or
wall-mounted lighting fixtures, and outlets that are in unheated locations in
your home. Any humid air that flows into these areas carries water which can
then condense and cause the growth of mold. Flooded electrical conduits are
also at risk of mold growth. By performing regular maintenance and observation
of the fixtures and electrical systems in your home, you can win an important
battle against mold growth in one of the most common hotspots in your home.
Most mold growth can be prevented by controlling moisture and by
performing regular maintenance on the various systems in your home. If you are
concerned about any potential mold growth, contact PowerBees for mold testing
services by a licensed and certified PowerBees inspector.
