Three Conditions That Help Mold Grow In Your Chicago Home

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold needs water or a very humid environment.

Mold And Mold Damage

There is a false belief that mold is present only in homes with poor housekeeping. Homeowners who find it try to kill it with bleach or paint over it in the vain hope that will stop the growth. While bleach may work for killing mold in a water puddle, a growth that is active and spreading needs a professional service to stop it.

SERVPRO knows that mold and mold damage can happen in any Chicago home that meets three conditions: Moisture, Temperature, and Food Source. Without each one at the right levels, mold will not expand from its inert state and begin spreading.

Moisture
Mold needs water or a very humid environment. To stop mold growth and return it to an inactive condition, we lower the humidity level to a point below 65 percent. It is the most efficient method available to us to stop mold growth as we clean property and restore a home to its original state. Technicians use dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air and extractors to remove water from behind walls, under floors, and anywhere else they find mold.

Temperature
The majority of molds grow in a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If the HVAC system is affected, the only option is to use heaters to raise the temperature. Since some molds still thrive at higher and lower temperatures, manipulating the environment in this manner is not always an option.

Food Source
To grow past a handful of spores, mold needs an organic material. Every home has this in abundance; drywall, wood, and insulation are excellent sources for mold to feed on, but most can easily consume other natural fibers and even dirt if it contains some organic matter. It is not necessary to remove all sources of food, but for pieces already contaminated, it is easier and cost-effective to remove them rather than to attempt to clean them or cut away sections containing mold.

Restoring your home to its pre-mold condition requires a professional company. SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville has decades of experience in the repair and restoration service industry, putting homeowners back on track. If you have mold or want to schedule an inspection, call us today at (312) 509-5000.

Looking to learn more about the city of Chicago? Visit https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html.