Mold stain may cause serious damages to your house if left unattended

If a household mold stain problem is found, fix it promptly

This can prevent the problem from getting worse and literally save your home. When you see mold stain, even if it’s small, you should deal with it as soon as possible. A small mold stain can spread and any mold stain sign shows that the conditions in your home are suitable for mold to grow. 

Where do mold and mildew grow? Why?

Mold stain and mildew stain can grow in various places such as wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, etc. They are commonly found in wet areas and can start to grow on a damp surface within one to two days. Mildew stain can be usually found on fruits, vegetables, or decorative plants while a mold stain is primarily found on building materials. Mold stain in its many forms can penetrate the surface of whatever material it is affecting. It grows inside permanent structures like walls and ceilings, which makes it much more challenging to remove as a result. Unlike mold stain, mildew stain can only grow on the surface of materials. It is usually found growing on surfaces like compost, plants, tile surfaces, or grout. As mildew stain doesn’t penetrate surfaces, it is much easier to clean than mold stain . 

4 conditions required for mold stain growth

Oxygen, moisture, food source (e.g. wood, drywall, cotton), and a temperature between 41 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit are the four conditions required for mold stain growth. Moisture is the key cause of mold stain growth since the other conditions are always going to be present in homes. So, if you have a moisture problem, you're most likely to see mold stain in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.

photo from iStock

photo from iStock

Will mold stain damage other surfaces if not handle it ASAP?

If you allow it to grow on furniture, clothing, or other items, it will slowly cause them to disappear. It will do the same thing as wood, tiles, insulation, and other important parts of your home structure. Mold feeds on organic materials, such as wood, paper, many fabrics, and even some types of glue. It literally eats away at these materials, causing them to rot and fall apart. Mold stain can eat away at materials like wallpaper, drywall, carpet, wooden studs in walls, ceiling tiles, floorboards, and other structures inside the home. Left unchecked, mold stain can cause damage great enough to lead to the collapse of ceilings, caving in of floorboards, and falling down of walls.

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What are the most common situations to have mold stain growth? 

Humidity Causes Mold Stain 

Indoor humidity increases when moisture inside your house evaporates into the air. If your home isn't well ventilated then the humidity will stay high for a long time. During the rainy days, it’s common to see mold stain starts to grow on walls, benches, and other surfaces due to the wet air. 

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Leaking Pipes Cause Mold

If the leaks are hidden out of view and go undetected, like inside a wall, mold stain usually started to grow by the time you discover these leaks. 

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Condensation Causes Mold Stain

Condensation usually occurs in the atmosphere when warm air rises, cools and loses its capacity to hold water vapor. This is quickly followed by mold stain if the temperatures remain warm and condensation is not dealt with immediately. This happens in thousands of households when the temperature drops inside the home, especially at night time when the heating is turned off. 

photo from iStock