​​The Most Common Places for Mold Growth in Homes

Where is Mold Growth Most Likely?

Mold is a fungus that prefers moist, warm environments. Because spores are everywhere in the atmosphere, it is easy for a hidden mold infestation to occur. Frequently, it takes little more than an accidental influx of water. Do you ever wonder where the most common places for mold growth in the home are?

Bathrooms with Insufficient Ventilation

You meant to have the exhaust fan installed or repaired. However, you never got around to it. When you take a warm shower now, the humidity in the room builds up. It causes surfaces to stay wet longer. This combination of factors creates a suitable habitat for fungal growth. Sometimes, it is easy to notice the mass. This is typically the case when it happens on shower tiles or along the grout lines. That said, there are also more hidden spaces.

• Shower curtains. Separate the folds of the shower curtain and look for telltale green, blue, or black discoloration.
• Loofahs. The nooks and crannies of the loofah are an ideal growth environment for fungi.
• Bath mats. Turn over the mat. Even if you keep the top meticulously clean, fungal growth can happen on the underside.

Areas with Recent Water Damage

Did your basement flood recently? Maybe water came in around the chimney. In some cases, the water damage remains hidden for weeks or even months. A repeated influx of water sets the stage for a growing mold infestation.

• Window casings. If water runs down the windows, look along the casings for fungal growth.
• Insulation. Pull back the insulation on the attic floor. If you notice growth along the walls, break open the drywall and check the insulation there, too.
• Cardboard boxes. If you use the basement for storage, there are probably cardboard boxes and similar items. These are premier habitats for all types of fungal infestations.

Unusual Locations that Nevertheless Have a Reputation for Encouraging Mold Growth

Sometimes, the most obvious place for mold growth is out of sight. Case in point is the air conditioning vent in your bedroom. These rooms frequently trap moisture, and the combination of warm and cold air results in condensation. Typically, that is all it takes for spores to take hold.

Moisture in your mattress can also result in mold growth there. A dehumidifier in your bedroom can make a significant difference when it comes to cutting down on condensation.

Sometimes, improper building practices or construction defects can result in mold growth under your feet. Healthy Air USA technicians worked with a homeowner whose concrete slab had not been poured over a vapor barrier. As a result, the concrete absorbed surrounding moisture, which led to fungal growth along the plywood the builders used to cover it.

What to Do if You Suspect Mold but Cannot See Any

If you suffer from classic symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins and related allergens, it makes sense to check for fungal infestations in the home. Remember that sometimes the areas are not easy to see. Invite our technicians to visit your residence with spore traps. We check the levels of the particulate matter in the house and help you pinpoint where the problem may be located. Contact us today to learn more.