Humidity from the outside causes mold indoors – The biggest misconception!
Humidity from the Outside Causes Mold Indoors – The Biggest Misconception!
Many believe that outdoor humidity is the main culprit for mold growth indoors. Autumn and winter arrive with rain, and mold begins to bloom inside homes. The connection seems obvious and logical. Where does the mold go in summer? In summer, many people notice that mold seems to disappear.
- The air's humidity decreases, which temporarily slows mold growth.
- Heat and sunlight dry out the surfaces where mold is visible. However, the mold doesn’t die. Its spores remain in materials (walls, ceilings, furniture) and wait for favorable conditions. They continue to release spores into the air, negatively affecting health.
In autumn, with the arrival of rain and dampness, mold becomes active again, and black spots reappear on surfaces. This means that mold doesn’t die or vanish during summer. It remains embedded in materials. What is the real cause of mold if outdoor humidity doesn’t significantly affect it? Mold cannot grow without moisture. For mold to thrive, a moist environment is essential. However, it’s important to understand that indoor humidity is not just humid air but often issues related to the building’s structure.
Sources of moisture:
1. Activities of occupants: - Cooking, drying clothes, taking showers, and even breathing all add moisture to the air. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture settles on cold surfaces (windows, walls), forming condensation.
2. Leaks: - Leaking roofs, cracks in walls, faulty waterproofing, or plumbing issues lead to increased moisture in walls, floors, or ceilings, creating ideal conditions for mold growth.
3. Ventilation problems: - Poor air circulation in the home allows humidity to accumulate, creating a favorable environment for mold.
4. Rising damp: - Water can rise from the foundation or walls, especially in older buildings without modern waterproofing.
Why is structural moisture more important than air humidity? We often think the main issue is high air humidity. In reality, the problem lies in the walls, floors, and ceilings. It’s the moisture in structural elements that allows mold to "live" in a house for years.
For example:
- A leaking roof leads to constant dampness in the ceiling. Even with regular airing, the mold will return.
- Poor waterproofing causes walls to stay wet, and no dehumidifier will help until the root cause is addressed. Leaks: why they vary and how they impact mold?
Leaks can be:
- Obvious: a puddle under a dripping faucet or a wet spot on the ceiling.
- Hidden: small leaks in pipes or waterproofing issues that are hard to detect without special equipment. In both cases, moisture penetrates materials (concrete, plaster, wood), creating an ideal environment for mold.
How to get rid of mold? Removing just the mold means addressing the symptom, not the cause.
To eliminate it permanently, you need to:
1. Identify and eliminate the source of moisture: - Check the roof, pipes, windows, and waterproofing of walls and floors. Find all leaks that may have occurred in the home.
2. Assess the ventilation system: - Ensure it is properly designed and functioning effectively.
3. Control indoor air humidity:
- Using dehumidifiers can help, but if the walls are wet, it won’t be effective. I have inspected a vast number of apartments, and my clients often say I don’t bring good news. But that’s exactly why they choose me.
With professional equipment, I uncover all the issues in a home or apartment. Most importantly, I provide solutions detailing the necessary work to resolve moisture problems. Mold is equally harmful in both winter and summer. If you’re dealing with this issue, start by identifying and eliminating its causes. Your home should be a place of health and comfort, not a haven for fungi.