Why is There Mold on My Walls?
It’s easy to notice mold on walls, window frames, and in corners around the house. And while not all molds are visible, the telltale signs are obvious to most homeowners. Once noticed, however, it’s important to determine the source and extent. But it’s equally important to find the cause that is underlying – without that, mold will continue to flourish even after being cleaned and removed.
Essentially, mold requires moisture to propagate. Mold cannot sustain in a dry, well-ventilated space. So when moisture is allowed to accumulate, mold will thrive. Typically, it’s the home that’s poorly ventilated that contributes to moisture accumulation and mold growth. And inside most homes, there is no lack of moisture – everything from showers, to cooking, to indoor houseplants.
In terms of science, warm indoor air rises. And since warm air is full of moisture, accumulation generally concentrates on walls, ceilings, and corners. It doesn’t always signal big problems, but if mold is noticed, it means that both cleanup and prevention are required. One way or another, proper flow-through ventilation throughout the house will have to be addressed and initiated.
For the experts at Great Northern Insulation, properly ventilating the house is just as important as properly insulating. In fact, it’s integral for the “building envelope” to function. Signs of mold are just one symptom of inadequate air circulation and ventilation. As for solutions, the benefits of a well ventilated home are wide reaching:
- much improved indoor air environment and air quality
- consistent and balanced heating/air conditioning cycles
- much reduced indoor moisture levels around the home
- enhanced seasonal comfort during winter and summer
In most cases, poor ventilation (especially when the attic is inadequately vented) is a prescription for moisture to collect, and mold to develop. Conversely, a well ventilated home will not suffer.
