Where Does Mold Commonly Grow?

Mold can grow virtually anywhere (indoors and outdoors) but prefers dark, warm, moist areas, especially when it’s growing indoors. More often than not, the mold is easy to remove but when it grows on porous surfaces the damage can be extensive as it grows into the material, not just on the surface.

Common Places Mold Grows:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Windows
• Air Ducts
• Basements
• Insulation
• Windows
• Clothing
• Furniture

If you notice mold in your home in any of these areas, we highly recommend calling a professional in to assess the situation and remove the mold for you. Familiarizing yourself with the cause of mold on certain surfaces and the removal process will help you address any mold-related issues before too much damage is caused.

Mold on Walls

Mold that is growing on regular, non-porous, painted walls is in most cases, easy to remove. Simply wipe the mold away with a damp cloth. If this doesn’t work, there are various mold-killing solutions including borax, vinegar and bleach that will kill the mold and remove it from your wall.

Mold that is growing on porous walls, such as dry wall, gets a little trickier as the mold will penetrate the material and grow inside of it. In this case, you’ll have to remove the section of wall that the mold is growing on and replace it.

Signs to Look Out for:

• Peeling paint
• Bulging
• Discoloration
• Visual signs of mold on the surface
• Strange odors
• Frequent allergy-like symptoms

Causes of Mold Growing on Walls

Condensation, high humidity levels, and concealed water leaks are the most common causes of mold growing on, in, and behind walls. Condensation will form on exterior walls from the cold air meeting the warm air inside during the cold winter months, when clothing is dried indoors, or when there is an excess of steam from hot water, which releases humidity into the air. Water leaks can also cause mold to grow due to the increase in moisture in walls. Keep an eye on your plumbing to stay on top of any potential water leaks and avoid mold growth.

Mold on Ceilings

Mold growing on your ceiling is a sign of high humidity levels, condensation build up, and leaking pipes. Most ceilings are made of porous materials, meaning you’ll have to remove the section of ceiling that has mold growth like you would with a wall. If your ceiling isn’t made of a porous material, you’ll be able to wipe the surface mold away with a damp cloth.

Mold in Basements

The basement of your home is the most common area for mold to grow since they are typically dark, damp, and humid from being under the home/underground. If there are leaks in your home, no matter where they are, they typically will flow down to the basement creating stagnant water. Mold in basements spreads quickly and can weaken the support of the frames and beams in the room. If you notice mold growing in your basement or notice excess dampness and humidity, contact us for a checkup of your space.

Mold in Air Ducts

Mold tends to lurk in air vents, ducts, and HVAC systems. Performing regular maintenance and cleanings of these areas will keep the mold away.

Mold in Insulation

If you have experienced water leaks in the past but never experienced any mold problems in/on your walls or ceiling, it’s wise to check the insulation of the area where the water leak occurred. Insulation can be deceiving, make sure to do a thorough check even if it looks clean.

If you find mold in your insulation, the removal process includes simply discarding the insulation and replacing it with new insulation. It’s best to get a second opinion from your mold removal company to ensure it didn’t spread elsewhere.

If you notice mold growing in you home, contact EnviroVantage remediate it.