Mold needs three things to grow:

1. First, mold requires a source of food, which is water. Mold can grow on porous materials like wood, drywall, concrete, or fabric. In essence, every home or business can be a breeding ground for mold. As most building materials are the perfect mediums for mold growth.
2. Mold needs a moist environment with a stable, comfortable temperature. Different species of mold grow at different temperatures. Unfortunately, the temperature range that molds prefer, is also the comfortable temperature range for human habitation. Most homes and businesses are perfectly suited for mold growth.
3. Mold doesn’t require a great deal of water to grow. It can thrive in only 40% to 60% relative humidity. So a simple bathtub or shower leak, a leaky window, or a damaged washing machine hose can be more than enough to spur full-scale mold contamination. If not treated promptly, water damage in the home can create an ideal environment for mold to thrive.

Common sources of moisture are:

• Roof leaks
• Indoor plumbing leaks
• Outdoor drainage problems
• Damp basements and crawl spaces
• Humidity from the bathroom or kitchen
• Condensation on cool surfaces
• Air conditioning units
• Wet clothes drying inside the home
• A clothes dryer venting indoors
• Poor or improper ventilation of heating, cooling or appliances

If mold is left unchecked, this could further result in reduced indoor air quality and an unsafe environment, including a variety of health problems.

Mold spores are everywhere in our environment, both indoors and outdoors. To illustrate, mold spores are like seeds, waiting patiently for the proper conditions to grow. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. What enables the mold spores to grow into colonies is moisture.

Some people are sensitive to mold. In fact, exposure to mold can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to mold or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.

• Inspect your home or building for evidence of water damage and/or visible mold. Different types of mold can appear in your home environment. Even if you haven’t experienced significant water damage, a problem as simple as a leaking window could lead to mold issues. Consider the common types of mold that may appear:
  • Stachybotrys: it is toxic to humans and animals. It is more commonly known as black toxic mold.
  • Penicillium: it is a type of fungus that can cause severe allergies or aggravate existing allergic conditions.
  • Cladosporium: Most commonly seen as a green or black color on walls and ceilings.
  • Alternaria: it is dangerous to humans and pets.
  • Aspergillus: it contains several hundred species of mold, very common in Florida.
• If possible, stop the source of water. Water can lead to mold growth (for example, water leaks, condensation, seepage, or flooding).
• If possible, control humidity levels, by lowering the A/C. To 75-76 degrees.
• Quickly fix roof leaks, windows, or A/C leaks, as soon as possible.
• Thorough cleaning and drying after a water leak.
• Proper ventilation of shower, laundry, and kitchen areas.

If you are not sure if you have mold in your home. We recommend using a licensed mold hygienist to test your areas of concern. Next select a knowledgeable and trained mold remediator such as Insurance Repair Specialists, to make the entire mold removal process as effective and quick as possible.

Call us at (954) 725-2895 or use the online form that is on our website.