What Causes Mould – And How to Prevent It

Mould, whether in the home or in the workplace, can cause a lot of damage to a building’s structure and a person’s health. This fungus thrives in environments when they have ample food, and if they are allowed to spread, could have serious complications. Certified Asbestos Removal’s customers often ask us what causes mold and how they can prevent it from taking over their home or place of work. There are a few things that allow it to flourish, and thankfully there are some things you can do to help make sure it doesn’t.

Spores

There are tiny, microscopic organisms nearly everywhere, and many reproduce by way of spores. These are typically single-celled units that can give rise to new copy of itself without needing a reproductive partner. These are a hallmark of fungus. The tough thing about them is that these organisms that cause mold adapt so well that the more difficult the environment, the more they produce.

To prevent them: there is nothing you can do to completely prevent them, but you can give yourself a hand by:

• Making sure surfaces are as clean as possible
• Cutting down on carpeting and upholstery
• Taking carpets outside to clean them

Moisture

Moisture is one of the main components of mold growth. The more moisture, the more fungi are going to pop up. The more humidity there is in your home or business, the more favourable conditions will be to mold growth.

To prevent it: preventing moisture is sometimes as simple as making sure there is proper ventilation in the building. Cutting down on hot water use has also been shown to help. Dehumidifiers also work great, and so does running the air conditioning.

Substrate (Food)

Mould needs ample food to reproduce and spread, and this is why it is often found feeding off of some of its favourite sources. Any organic material can be a food source for this fungus. Indoors, the most common sources are organic building materials such as drywall, wood, furniture, carpets, and bedding.

To prevent it: unfortunately, you need building materials for your home, but you can do a few things to help keep mold away. Dry wet areas immediately, ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks in piping or roofing, and even consider using mold-resistant materials.

Here at Certified Asbestos Removal, we specialize in removing asbestos and mold from people’s homes in the Calgary area. This means that we get a lot of customers asking us what causes mold and how to prevent it. You can never be 100% safe, but you can do your best to keep it away. If you have mold issues or suspect that it’s in your home or place of business, then contact the mold removal experts immediately.