Common Causes for Mold Growth in Your Home

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is always a nasty discovery in your home. Oftentimes the homeowner wonders what they did wrong or perhaps feels they weren’t keeping their home as clean as they should. However, mold growth can happen for a number of reasons, a few of which end up being the homeowner’s fault considering mold spores are present everywhere and it takes very little to encourage growth.

What typically causes mold growth in homes

Mold damage in Phoenix is not always a random occurrence. Specific events cause mold to grow in your home, and while they may not always lead to a mold growth problem, SERVPRO has seen enough cases over the years to know just how vulnerable most residences in the Phoenix area are, especially after heavy monsoon seasons. Mold grows best in dark, humid environments, which can occur frequently after a storm. The truth is that spores might be waiting for a chance to grow anywhere in your home if any of these events happen.

You've experienced a leak in your home

Leaking pipes, faucets, and other water-based fixtures in your Phoenix home could contribute to mold growth. Spores grow quickly around any water source they can find, even if the volume of water is negligible. As long as moisture remains consistent in the affected area, the types of mold spores found in Arizona can start to grow. If you have discovered any leaks in your home or suspect that they may exist, there is a good chance that your home is hiding a past or present mold infestation. Even if the leak is long gone, if there is residual water damage, chances are there is mold growth as well.

Monsoon season

When monsoon storms come through the Valley, they create an ideal opportunity for mold to grow in your home. Any leaks in your roof or siding could contribute to an infestation somewhere in your home, oftentimes undetected. SERVPRO technicians can use advanced moisture detection tools to detect unusual levels of moisture anywhere in your home. While mold growth may go unseen, a musty odor is a sure sign that mold growth is present and needs to be addressed.

Flooding in your home

Many of the damage-causing floods in homes start with problems as mundane as a malfunctioning dishwasher or an overflowing bathtub. Any time a large part of your home's flooring becomes covered in water, it should be treated as a potential precursor to a mold problem because of the substantial amount of water that may have seeped into flooring and drywall.

What to do if you have mold issues

Regardless of whether your mold issue is a result of leaks, floods, or storms, it’s important to get the issue addressed immediately. If you experience mold, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix at 602-386-4268 to handle the mold immediately. Don’t try to clean up mold on your own; leave it to the remediation experts to get it done!