If you’ve started spotting areas of the walls and ceilings that look damp, or you’ve even noticed a few black dots appearing in concerning clusters, then you are right to be worried. Mold can damage the structures of the home, weakening them to the point of replacement. It can also be a serious health concern, especially for those who might already be susceptible to respiratory issues. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most common sources of mold in the home and what you can do about it.
Leaking pipes
By far one of the most common plumbing issues, and a DIY problem you should never try to deal with alone. If you see a sudden and growing case of mold, or even leaking water, then it’s very likely to be that a pipe behind the drywall or ceiling is leaking and needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
A leaking roof
Since it’s up above our head, we tend not to think about roof before it’s too late. However, chipped, cracked, and missing tiles can give rainwater free entry into the home. It’s worth having a professional roofer check there for signs of wear and tear at least once a year. If you spot mold in the ceiling, then check-up in the loft for signs of a leak. You might only need a replacement tile or two.
High levels of humidity
Some people live in areas that are simply a lot more humid than others. If there is naturally more moisture in the air, this moisture is going to find surfaces to rest on, leading to the a chance of mold. Improving the ventilation in the home, investing in dehumidifiers, and trying to avoid clutter where moisture can more easily build will all help to tackle this problem. However, this problem is caused by elements outside of your control so you should be prepared to have to deal with it regularly.
Building condensation
When the outdoor and indoor temperatures and humidities are different, especially during winter, it can lead to a buildup of condensation. This moisture on your cold surfaces, especially your windows, can lead to mold. The buildup of dirt and dust can speed it up, even more, so regularly window cleaning services can be pretty essential. Dehumidifiers can help reduce the buildup of condensation as well.
AC woes
If you have an air conditioner in your home for the summer, then it might be worth looking more closely at it. For one, if it’s not working, then humidity and condensation are more likely to be problems. However, air conditioner leaks can be particularly dangerous. You can spot these by checking around the AC unit, itself. This mold tends not to be the dark spots we all easily recognize but might look white and patchy, instead.
Mold can grow anywhere, so be sure to keep a lookout through the entire home. The above cases might be some of the most frequent, but they are far from the only ones.
