Causes of mold in Air Ducts Causes of mold in Exterior Causes of mold in Bathroom Causes of mold in Kitchen Bare earth floor with porous soil near foundation Missing or damaged Vapor Barrier Ground water due to high water tables Rain and Flood water Cracks in Foundation and Foundation Walls Plumbing related problems Faulty or missing Air Duct Insulation Materials Poor Ventilation or Lack of it Outdoor air getting into crawl space from outside Water Evaporation leading to condensation Exposed Plumbing Pipes and Joists Causes of mold in Crawl Space What Causes Mold Around the House IN A NUTSHELL, MOLD NEEDS THESE TO GROW Causes of mold in Attic Causes of mold in Basement Minor and Major Roof Leaks Faulty or Missing Insulation Ice and Snow Damming Problems Improperly exhausted Dryer, Bathroom and Kitchen vents Heaters and Furnaces in the attic Condensation Effect during cold season Improper Ventilation or lack of it Water Leaks from Sink and Dishwasher Plumbing Problems (Leaks & Overflows) Water spills / Running tap water Condensation on plumbing pipes Steam from boiling water / cooking Steam from Dishwasher Plenty of food molds loves to grow on Poor Ventilation / Air Circulation Leaking plumbing pipes Flooding (nature or plumbing caused) Broken, clogged or sagged gutters or downspouts Clogged/Faulty footer drains Sump Pump failures Sloping grounds/ ground waters Cracks in Foundation and Foundation Walls Rain and Melting Snow from windows Water Condensation on cold surfaces Lots of materials mold loves to grow on Dust and dirt accumulated with time Poor Air Ventilation / Circulation Plumbing Problems (Leaks & Overflows) Water Condensation on walls & ceiling Water Evaporation Frequently running watter Wet surfaces after showering Wet surfaces from Hot Steam Water Puddles on the floor and around sink Broken toilet and bathtub seals Poor Ventilation / Air Circulation Failed grout and/or caulking between tiles Dust, dirt, debris and pet hair collected in the vent Clogged air duct filters Using basic fiberglass filters in houses with pets and other sources of micro-particles Leaks around duct joints Wetted fiberglass-lined ductwork surfaces Damaged or missing air duct insulation Damaged or missing foil vapor barrier Condensation on metal parts of HVAC units Improper use or absence of Drain Pans Improper mixing of outside and inside air Saturated air coming from air conditioner evaporator Weak (slow) air flow coming out of the grill Nearly constant presence of moisture Rain water running down the wall surface Downspouts emptying next to the wall Siding made of porous materials such as wood, stucco, etc Vines and shrubs growing along the side of your house Broken, clogged or sagged gutters or downspouts Leaks and condensation from air conditioner drain lines Incorrectly placed sprinklers system Water wicking into the foundation from the sloping ground Poor ventilation in tight areas along the walls Abundance of organic materials mold loves to grow on Knowing what causes mold to grow indoors can help you spot mold problem well before it gets out of hand, as well as effectively prevent mold contamination from happening in the first place. Mold spreads around by releasing microscopic airborne spores which at some point can end up inside of your house. Once the spore lands on wet surface and certain conditions are met, it will start growing. So what exactly causes mold around the house? In every major area of the house there are plenty of possibilities for mold spores to flourish. Anything, from a plumbing problem to a lack of proper ventilation could lead to creating optimal conditions for mold to start growing indoors. To learn more about what causes mold to grow in particular areas of your house, check out our detailed illustrations below. Mold Spores A food source Moisture Oxygen Lack of Sunlight Optimal Temperature Invisible to the naked eye, mold spores usually get inside your house from outdoor. Abundance of organic materials makes indoors a perfect breeding grounds for mold. Prolonged exposure to wet conditions is required in order for mold to start to grow. A steady supply of oxygen plays a vital part in mold growth and reproduction cycle. Direct exposure to sunlight is deadly to mold, that’s why it prefers to grow in the dark. Direct exposure to sunlight is deadly to mold, that’s why it prefers to grow in the dark. New Jersey’s top mold inspection and remediation company since 1998! WWW.ABOVEANDBEYONDUC.COM Infographic presented by