Mold Growth on Concrete? It Can Happen!

Mold can grow on numerous surfaces both inside and outside of homes. Perhaps you’ve seen it growing up in the corners of bathrooms, on outdoor wood piles and in areas of the laundry room. Moisture is the common element in all of these and other cases of mold, but did you know that mold growth on concrete is also possible? After all, concrete is a type of surface that can get wet, cold, warm and damaged just like other materials.

First things first, you have to figure out if you have a mold problem. Below is some helpful information to help you identify, remove and prevent mold growth.

Conditions for mold growth

Mold occurs naturally in the environment to break down organic materials and make way for new growth. Mold spores float through the air until they settle on surfaces, ranging from dead trees to moist concrete. While harmless to healthy people, mold spores can trigger allergies, upper respiratory distress and illness in others, which is reason enough to get rid of mold as soon as you can. In order for mold to grow on most types of surfaces, three conditions must be present—oxygen, temperature and food:

• Oxygen: Mold needs oxygen to grow and thrive. This is why you won’t find mold growing under water or in airtight containers or spaces.
• Temperature: The most comfortable temperatures for people are also the best for mold growth. That said, mold requires temperatures between 40 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit to successfully reproduce. Mold may become dormant when temperatures fall above or below this temperature range.
• Source of food: Mold only feeds on organic materials, but it is able to live on any type of surface in Portland, OR.

Why mold grows on concrete

You might be wondering how mold can grow and survive on concrete if it needs organic materials to feed on. Although concrete is not an actual food source for mold, the dust that settles on the surface is nutritious enough. Couple dust with moisture and the right temperature, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. The concrete surface may provide enough nutrition for mold to grow more spores and spread to other areas of your home.

Mold prevention

Mold is a nuisance and a health hazard. A mold issue is also a threat to your property and possessions, as it can compromise the structure of your home, from the concrete foundation to roofing shingles. To prevent mold growth year-round, be sure to take the following recommended steps. Control the humidity level inside to stay between 40 and 55 percent, and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Clean moisture and/or mold off pipes, concrete, carpets, wet clothes and other surfaces to discourage mold growth.

Don’t ignore mold growth on concrete! It may seem like a small problem that’s easily cleaned away, but miss a moldy spot and the problem can spread to other areas of your home. For more information about mold prevention or to schedule an inspection, call the team at Active Mold Control LLC in Portland, OR!

Categorised in: Mold Prevention

This post was written by Writer