Mold is a serious issue: It not only threatens your home’s structure, but it can cause health problems for residents. If you suspect mold, you should seek an orange county mold inspector to take care of it as soon as possible.
The good news is, mold doesn’t grow just anywhere. It needs a specific environment. If you can avoid providing the five environmental factors it needs, you can prevent mold.
- Moisture
Mold needs a damp environment to grow. Some species prefer puddles, while some thrive in high humidity. That’s why you should seek a mold inspection Orange County if you have a leak or flooding.
- Mild Temperature
Typically, mold doesn’t do well with extreme temperatures. Warm temperatures dry it out while cold temperatures threaten to freeze it. Most species flourish at room temperature, which is why homes are a prime location. Very few places in nature are kept at a comfortable 65 to 80 degrees.
- Access to Nutrients
Although mold is a fungus and not a plant, the two share a common need: They require nutrients to thrive. For fungus, this usually means organic material:
- Wood
- Food
- Dirt
Mold isn’t limited to these surfaces, however — it can spread to non-organic material such as plastic if there’s a nutrient source nearby.
- pH Levels
Mold tends to thrive in acidic environments, usually in a pH range of 3-7, though some species can grow in even more acidic places. If the pH is greater than 7, most species aren’t able to reproduce.
- Aeration
Like many living things, mold needs air. However, it can still grow in claustrophobic places such as under sinks and inside drywall. The only places that are truly safe from invasion are vacuum-sealed storage and other air-tight containers.
If you suspect mold in your home, it’s time to get an inspection. The sooner you deal with the problem, the more money and time you’ll save.