SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield outlines how indoor humidity encourages mold growth

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Is mold growing in your home? SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield outlines the connection between mold growth and high indoor humidity.

Mold is present in almost every structure and residence. Mold grows so swiftly and easily that it can sprout in just a few days, given the right conditions.

When mold develops in your home or business, it can cause many health issues. Also, mold can compromise the structural integrity of your property and might be costly to remove completely. However, mold development requires certain conditions to grow, including the right temperature.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield, a leading mold removal company, have explained how indoor humidity can lead to mold growth and what you can do about it.

Mold Growth and Humidity

Humidity and wetness in your home's air might create an atmosphere conducive to mold growth. When the indoor air is humid, a lot of water vapor is present, leading to mold and mildew infestation.

It's essential to keep an eye on these humidity levels and take action if they rise too high. The EPA recommends that indoor relative humidity be kept under 60%, ideally not higher than 50% or lower than 30%.

What Causes Excessive Humidity in a Building?

If your humidity levels are higher than 60%, you'll want to figure out what's causing it. Unfortunately, some aspects of the temperature and weather are beyond your control. If the outside humidity is really high, the indoor humidity will rise as well.

High humidity can also be caused by poor ventilation. Air cannot move in and out of a home if rooms are not adequately vented or sealed.

Some ordinary daily activities can also increase the amount of moisture in the air. Cooking, operating appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and taking long, hot showers can all increase the level of water vapor in the home.

Old HVAC units can also cause high humidity. The HVAC system has evaporator coils that pull humidity from the air as it flows. If your system isn't performing at its best, it could lead to excessive indoor humidity.

Other Factors Required For Mold Growth

Mold requires more than high humidity to grow. Here are other factors that are required for mold development.

• Moisture: Mold is a biological organism that requires moisture to survive. This is usually the most critical factor in determining whether or not mold grows in a home.
• Oxygen: Mold also requires oxygen to flourish. Unfortunately, there's quite little you can do to keep oxygen from entering your home.
• Food: Mold cannot grow without a food source. Mold eats a variety of foods, including vegetables and meat and paper, drywall, and wood.
• Darkness: Most mold is killed by UV light from the sun, that’s why it doesn’t grow outside in the open. That means that if you're looking for mold, you'll have to look in all the dark nooks and crevices.
• Warmth: Warmth is another thing mold requires to thrive. This simply refers to temps above freezing. Temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for mold growth. Mold can grow inside your home all year because the temperature should constantly be above 60 degrees.

Have a Mold Problem? Get Professional Help

While you can take precautions to avoid excessive indoor humidity, mold will still grow in some cases. When this happens, it's important to get professional help immediately to prevent its spread and avoid structural damage.

Mold removal professionals like SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield are experienced in handling various types of mold. They have the latest equipment and processes to clear off mold from your home and business and ensure that mold removal is effective.

They have a team of highly trained and licensed mold removal technicians that will come to your property, inspect it,  and identify mold growth if there is any. They’ll then work with you to eliminate mold wherever it is in your home or business. SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield is your partner in making the air around you breathable and healthy.

Call them today at (915) 234-2679 for a free consultation and estimate.