Basements, Attics and Leaky Pipes: The Causes of Mold Growth in Litchfield County Homes

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

This home had mold covering the walls and floors of the basement family room. The mold was found under carpeting and behind paneling on the walls.

At SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington, we talk with many homeowners who are concerned when they discover mold in their home. 

There has been quite a bit of attention on mold in homes and the potential health hazards of black mold lately.  Mold exists naturally in our environment and is not harmful at regular levels. It's when mold has the opportunity to grow at a rapid rate that it becomes of concern. 

In order to grow, mold requires certain conditions to be met. Mold spores need to be present and have a food source (examples would be cotton, sheetrock, plywood, etc.). In addition, mold requires darkness, oxygen and warm temperatures. However, these are typical conditions in most homes. The factor that most determines whether mold will grow in your home is moisture.  

Some of the most common causes of residential mold damage are:  

Leaky Pipes:  A slow leak might not be obvious to a homeowner but over time can create an environment that is ideal for mold growth. We have responded to a number of jobs in Litchfield County in which a plumber has discovered mold behind the kitchen cabinets due to a leaking pipe. In these cases, the kitchen cabinetry as well as walls and flooring often requires removal. 

The fix: Periodically check pipes, walls and cabinetry for any signs of leaking.  

Attic Mold: In order to keep moisture levels low in an attic, it must be ventilated properly.  A well-ventilated attic will allow warm air to escape through the peak of the roof via the ridge and soffit vents.  Another reason for moisture in an attic can be a roof leak. 

The fix: Have your ridge and soffit vents checked for blockages and inspect your roof and attic for leaks.   

Basement Mold: Due to low sunlight, condensation, high humidity, flooding and leaks, the basement is a common location for mold growth. In addition, people spend little time in their basement and are less likely to spot it early on.

The fix: If there is flooding, have your basement waterproofed. Keep humidity levels down with a dehumidifier. Repair any leaky pipes. If there is water at your house's foundation, it may be necessary for ditches and drains to be built to protect your Harwinton home.   

The good news is, not all mold requires professional remediation.

If you spot mold in your Torrington area home, give us a call at  203-267-6262. Our mold specialists  are IICRC certified and have over 20 years of experience inspecting mold and will give you an honest assessment of whether mold remediation is required.