Though mold is found in most environments, some types can be hazardous to have in your home. Some of these fungal growths can produce musty odors or trigger allergy-like symptoms or respiratory illnesses when their spores are inhaled. Mold inspections are an effective way to spot these growths for treatment. However, before an inspection can occur, you should first understand the conditions in which fungi grow so that you know where to look. 

3 Optimal Conditions for Mold Growth

1. Moisture

One of the most important conditions for mold growth is moisture. It’s a requirement for reproduction, and mold can pull water vapor out of the air or from wet materials such as clothing and carpeting. Conditions within the home that can create enough moisture for mold growth include floods, leaky pipes, and humidity. Your home’s humidity levels should not exceed 60% if you want to create an environment where mold cannot thrive. To eliminate water sources, use a dehumidifier to maintain safe moisture levels and promptly fix leaks around windows and plumbing.

2. Nourishment

Like all living things, mold spores need food to thrive. They’re likely to grow near an abundant source. Since they feed on organic substances, paper, drywall, wood, and fibrous materials such as cotton are sufficient food sources. Even non-organic materials such as metal or plastic can grow spores if the oil from your skin or food is left on the surface. Though it may not be possible to remove all indoor food sources, mold inspections will alert you to growths on interior surfaces. 

3. Temperature

In addition to moisture and food, mold needs warmth to reproduce and spread. The optimal growth temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, mold can still grow inside cold refrigerators and freezers. Spores will become dormant until the temperatures rise above freezing.

Keep your home safe by contacting the professionals at DMV Mold in Clarksburg, MD, for mold inspections. This locally owned and operated company offers comprehensive mold testing to residents throughout Montgomery County using the latest industry technology. Their highly trained technicians also provide asbestos testing to ensure the air quality inside your house is safe. To schedule a mold inspection, call (301) 379-1715 or visit them online to learn more.