Where Does Mold Grow In Houses
Mold Growing in Basement
Out of all the rooms in the house the basement is usually the most likely to have mold growth. Because the basement is usually lower than any other room in the house it is often damp from water leaks flowing down into it. The cold temperature of the basement can also create a lot of moisture from condensation. To add to this the basement is often dark, is rarely attended and the air in the basement is usually stagnant from poor ventilation.
Mold often grows on the wooden walls, posts or building frames in a basement. From there mold can spread along the wood and up into the other rooms of the house. Over time the mold can also weaken the frames and beams which it grows on and slowly eats away at.
To check if there's a mold problem in your basement look for signs of water or dampness. Also if flooding has occurred or there are water leaks in or near your basement then there's a high chance mold could soon begin to grow.
Mold Growing on Walls
Mold commonly grows behind walls in the cavities where air is trapped which can create pockets of moist air. The source of moisture can be pipes which often leak behind walls or condensation which occurs because of warm air inside the house meeting cold air. Condensation especially affects the walls along the perimeter of the house because of the cold air outside.
Mold behind walls eventually is exposed when it grows through the wall onto the other side and becomes visible. Another clue that there could be mold growing in a wall cavity is if you see signs of moisture behind the wall such as cracked or peeling paint, discoloration or bulging of the wall.
If you smell a musty or moldy odor or you or a family member begin to suffer the symptoms of mold then there could also be mold growing hidden behind one of the walls in your home. If you do find mold growing in a wall cavity you should replace any building material such as drywall that the mold was growing on or near as it will also be infested with mold.
Besides growing in wall cavities mold can also grow on the walls in your home behind the wallpaper. Wallpaper glue traps organic matter which mold can feed on.
Mold growing on walls and ceiling in a house.
Mold Growing on Ceiling
Similar to growing in wall cavities, mold can also grow in the space above your ceiling. Mold growing above your ceiling is usually fed by water from a leaky roof. For clues that mold could be growing above your ceiling look for signs of water damage in the ceiling. Small patches of mold growth visible from under the ceiling can also be a sign that there is a large growth of mold on the other side.
If mold begins to grow on the bottom of your ceiling and it is not caused by mold growing on the other side then it's a sign that the room's humidity level is too high.
Mold on Windows and Window Frames
Window glass is a prime surface for condensation because of the warm air on one side and the cold air on the other. If there is a layer of grime on the window mold can feed on it and grow on the window iself. Mold can grow around the wooden frame of windows too because the water from condensation collects there. You should also look for mold in the seal where the window frame meets the wall.
Mold in Floor
Mold can grow beneath your floor in the same way that it grows above your ceiling and within wall cavities. Dirt and dust falls beneath your floor and can be trapped there along with moisture leading to perfect conditions for mold to grow in. Tiles and especially carpet trap dust and can also be a haven for mold to grow in on your floor. Carpets especially hold moisture, taking a long time to dry out, meaning they can easily foster mold growth from spilt liquids, water leaks or floods.