Like all fungi, mold requires a favorable environment to grow and thrive. Generally, molds are part of the natural environment, being useful in helping to break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees.
Mold spreads and grows through tiny, invisible spores that float in air. Upon landing on wet or moist surfaces, the spores germinate and produce mold colonies. Such growths are often helpful when they occur outdoors, but when they happen indoors, they are not useful and tend to have adverse effects on the health and comfort of the occupants.
Importance of proper ventilation in preventing mold growth
When properly designed, installed, maintained and operated, ventilation systems help to control the inflow and circulation of air indoors. A proper ventilation system brings in new, fresh air indoors and ensures the air circulates in the home.
The constant circulation of air indoors enhances indoor air quality by removing particulates, odors and other airborne contaminants, such as mold spores. A correctly designed ventilation system also prevents entry of harmful substances and contaminants, including mold spores, which can degrade indoor air quality.
Therefore, with proper ventilation, the number of indoor mold spores can be reduced by preventing their entry or removing them from the interior of the home. Appropriate ventilation also changes pressure differences across a building, which may cause or prevent infiltration of mold spores from building structures or adjacent spaces.
In fact, through proper ventilation the concentration of the spores in various sections of the home can be diluted to the point that they do not germinate even when the conditions become somewhat favorable.
Regulating indoor moisture levels through proper ventilation
A home’s ventilation system affects moisture flow through the building. It also helps to control humidity and may under various circumstances result in very high or very low humidity.
For example, areas with poor ventilation usually tend to have increased humidity, which in turn results in condensation. On the contrary, areas with proper ventilation are usually more likely to have appropriate moisture levels as excess moisture is promptly removed by air flow.
In many homes, an elevated relative humidity is typically caused by poor ventilation. That’s because poor ventilation allows for the buildup of excessive moisture on surfaces. With increased relative humidity comes condensation and eventually mold growth.
Condensation occurs when humid air is in direct contact with a cold surface. That is, the high level of relative humidity involves an elevated amount of water molecules, which upon hitting a cold surface condenses into liquid.
A relative humidity above 60-percent increases the risk of mold because it can produce wet surfaces that mold spores need to germinate and spread. Plus, the surfaces where condensation may occur tend to have the nutrients that mold needs to thrive.
Therefore, having proper ventilation systems is an effective way of preventing mold. Adequate ventilation lowers relative humidity, prevents accumulation of moisture via condensation, and hence eliminates conditions that feed mold growth.
Trustworthy, professional mold remediation
Have you been struggling with persistent mold growths in your home? Would you like a thorough inspection of your property to unearth all the ventilation and moisture issues that are behind the mold growths?
At West Central Equipment and Restoration, we are a reputable, reliable and competent mold remediation service that provides top-notch, timely inspections, cleanup, and restoration of mold-ravaged homes.
We work with homeowners to ensure proper design, installation, and maintenance of efficient ventilation systems. Plus, we respond to flood emergencies to help with water removal and flood cleanup, which prevent potential growth of mold.
During inspections, we dig out causes of poor ventilation, including:
- Inadequate exterior vents in the building
- Obstruction of exterior vents of the building by gradual buildup of debris
- Inadequate interior HVAC vents
- Obstruction of interior HVAC vents by furniture and other items
We also look out for signs of poor ventilation, such as:
- Presence of mold in your home
- Frosted appearance of glass windows and shower doors
- Appearance of rust staining on metal pipes
- Noticeable temperature differences between various rooms (hot or cold spots)
When we detect ventilation problems in your property, we fix the issues or update the ventilation system to make it effective in preventing entry of pollutants and removing indoor contaminants. Eventually, we ensure that your updated ventilation system can keep moisture out and away, control indoor humidity levels, and prevent recurring mold issues.
If during an inspection we find mold growth in your home, we remove it safely and effectively using the right techniques and cleaning solutions. You can trust us to deliver a mold remediation service that protects your health and enhances your home’s indoor comfort at a competitive price.
For more information on mold growth prevention, removal and restoration, visit the site “West Central Equipment and Restoration.”
