Why do homes develop mildew and mold?
Mold and mildew can occur when warm, moist air condenses on a cold surface. Many building products will support mold growth, especially wood-based products. Mold in a home can often go undetected since it tends to occur on the coldest surfaces, such as closets on outside walls (especially when the walls are improperly insulated), behind furniture, and in attics and basements. The presence of mold in homes is typically a sign of under ventilation, uncontrolled air movement or excessive humidity levels. A BPI Accredited Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor can perform diagnostics that indicate air leakage paths, insulation conditions and humidity levels to determine the home’s particular needs. Since molds are usually caused by a combination of problems, a comprehensive home assessment is recommended to effectively develop a plan of action to help remedy the problem.
