Dry Climates Not Immune to Mold Growth

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Any shingles that are cracked or missing can slowly let moisture seep in

Dry Climates Not Immune to Mold Growth

Businesses in dry, arid climates like Apex, NC, may think that mold won’t be a problem. Since mold’s main necessity for thriving is moisture, it may seem that any spores will just remain dormant. Although the outside air may be dry, that doesn’t mean inside your business doesn’t have the necessary conditions for black mold to grow.

Damage Sources
Common causes that can create an ideal mold environment include:

Roof Issues: Any shingles that are cracked or missing can slowly let moisture seep in. If there are skylights or other equipment on the roof, the seals around them can become brittle and lose their integrity. Flat roofs may also be prone to standing water, which will slowly damage the roof and allow moisture in.
Equipment: Hot water heaters, HVAC and air-conditioning units are all prone to developing condensation. If the catch-pans overfill or the units leak, this can quickly lead to mold growth if it goes unnoticed.
Plumbing: The hardware associated with sinks, toilets, and piping, in general, can deteriorate, creating the potential for steady leaks.
Spills and Flooding: While a small spill may be no big deal, if a large number of liquids are absorbed into carpeting or other porous materials and not thoroughly dried, it can lead to needing to do mold cleanup.

Quick Cleanup
Even if it isn’t visibly noticeable, black mold has a unique smell that is hard to miss. At the first signs or smell, of mold, it is vital to find the source and call a mold remediation and restoration specialist to eradicate the problem. If the conditions are right, it can take less than two days for mold to grow. The spores can colonize with days. Once that happens, the spores can spread within hours, floating in the air in your business and finding a new place to start the process.
While black mold may seem like a rare problem, the right conditions can turn it into an immediate problem wherever a business is located.