The Major Causes of Mold Growth and How to Avoid Them
Posted in Mold Removal, on October 30, 2024
Mold can be present in just about every home or business, especially in cities such as Toronto, where the humidity and moisture levels of the air can quickly fluctuate from time to time. Not only is mold unsightly, but it also presents some serious health risks. If the appropriate actions are not taken, mold removal costs can quickly become significant. Understanding the causes of mold growth and how to prevent growth goes a long way in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Time is of the essence in saving you from both money and headaches when mold is suspected in your home. Professional mold removal in Toronto, offered by Canada's Restoration Services, can ensure your space is safe and mold-free.
Common Causes of Mold Growth in Homes
As expected, mold thrives on damp surfaces, so you are most likely to see growth in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. But what causes mold growth? Some of the most common culprits include:
- Humidity: High levels of moisture create an ideal place for mold to grow. During summer, especially in Toronto, the levels of humidity surge to the maximum, hence creating ideal conditions for mold spores to settle and multiply.
- Leaks: Roofs, windows, or pipes are some of the most common mold contributors. Many times, a single small leak can introduce moisture over time to support mold growth. Worse yet, if left unattended, such leaks may cause significant mold infestations.
- Flooding: Some of the worst causes of mold come from water damage due to flooding. Any area that has become flooded and is not entirely dried within 24 to 48 hours will almost definitely develop mold.
- Poor Ventilation: The air, if not circulated within a room, especially in the attic and the basement that is closed off from the rest of the house, tends to accumulate moisture. In due time, mold growth starts to develop in corners, walls, and hidden spaces.
- Condensation: Condensation on cold surfaces, like windows, metal pipes, and concrete walls, wherever it happens, creates moisture that encourages mold to grow. Basements are often prone to this, as are most spaces during colder months.
Addressing the contribution of these environmental factors will be important in minimizing the risk of mold at home. In situations where mold has already developed, you may need to call on professional mold removal services such as Canada's Restoration Services to remove the mold safely.
How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?
The first question most people ask when they find mold inside their homes is, "How much will it cost to get rid of it?" The mold removal cost may be all over the place, depending on several factors, including:
- Extensiveness of Growth: Larger infestations and mold growth that has spread through multiple rooms or hard-to-reach areas will be more costly to remove. The more advanced the mold growth, the more labor and specialized equipment it requires.
- Location of Mold: Some places in the home, like inside walls, underneath floors, or within an HVAC system, are more involved with mold removal. The more involved it is to locate mold, the more expensive the removal will be.
- Type of Mold: Some mold types, such as black mold, are considered more dangerous when it comes to their removal and thus need special handling, which makes mold removal more expensive.
- Damaged Structures: Mold-infested building materials such as drywall or flooring will need to be removed and replaced, further adding to the cost.
On average, mold removal in Toronto can range from $500 for small mold infestations to over $5,000 for large mold remediation projects. However, if mold is found and caught early, it can significantly reduce costs. The spreading of the mold would eventually cause higher removal costs and structural damages to your house. It would be wise to call a professional service such as Canada's Restoration Services for an exact assessment and complete removal of mold.
Prevention of Mold Growth in Your Home
Here are a few practical tips that will help you prevent mold growth in your home:
- Keep Indoor Humidity Low: The humidity of indoor levels needs to be less than 60%, ideally between 30-50%. You can use dehumidifiers, especially in the basement and other damp areas, to keep the moisture levels low.
- Fix Leaks Right Away: Regularly look for leaks around windows, doors, and pipes. Fix any leaks as soon as you can to keep mold away.
- Good Ventilation: Allow for good ventilation in your home, mainly in places that gather moisture, such as the bathroom or kitchen. You might want to consider installing exhaust fans to cut down on humidity.
- Use Mold-Resistant Products: If you're starting repairs or renovations, consider using mold-resistant drywall and mold-resistant paint.
- Dry Out Wet Areas: If there is a spill or leaks, dry the area on the spot. Since mold can grow within as little as 24-48 hours, there is no time to waste.
By applying these proactive measures, you will be able to inhibit mold growth in your home to a great extent. However, whenever mold becomes a menace, professional help should be consulted immediately.
When to Call Mold Removal Experts in Toronto
While there are things you can do to prevent mold, it's just as important to know when to bring in the cavalry. Sure, DIY methods may get rid of small, isolated areas of mold, but larger infestations can be dangerous and require professional treatment. Signs you need to call a professional mold removal service include:
- Mold covering more than 10 square feet.
- There is a lingering musty smell in the home.
- Mold recurring even after cleaning it.
- Health symptoms such as allergies, respiratory problems, and skin irritation.
- Noticeable Mold in your HVAC or areas of the home that are not accessible to you.
In these instances, professionals like Canada's Restoration Services have the necessary equipment and procedures that have proven to remove mold without any reoccurrence. We also address the moisture situation at the root to prevent the growth of mold in the future.
Prevent Mold Growth in Your Toronto Home
Besides mold growth being an eyesore, it is also associated with health hazards and structural damage that can be expensive. By understanding the reasons for mold growth, such as humidity, leaks, and poor ventilation, you will definitely know what measures to take to keep it at bay from your home. On the contrary, if mold growth were to take place, timely action would involve professional mold removal services in Toronto to ensure that no further damage would be caused by mold growth, thereby saving extra costs. Canada's Restoration Services provides reliable, professional mold remediation to keep your home safe and mold-free. If you suspect mold in your residential or commercial property, contact us today for an assessment.