Hidden Dangers: Uncovering Mold in Your Home and Business
Most of us assume that mold problems in homes and businesses are obvious, with visible growth and noxious odors. Unfortunately, mold can also be stealthy, lurking in hidden corners of a structure. Because mold can be concealed in areas you might not consider, professional St. Louis mold inspection and testing from St. John Environmental Consulting is crucial to the health of your family, customers, and employees.
Here are some places where mold might be concealed in your home or business:
Behind walls and ceilings.
Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there behind your walls and ceilings. Leaky pipes, roof leaks, or poor insulation can lead to moisture buildup. This is the ideal environment for mold to flourish in hidden spaces. Even without discoloration or musty odors, damp areas behind walls or in ceiling voids can facilitate mold growth. St. John Environmental Consulting is ready to help uncover these hidden colonies before they cause extensive damage or health problems.
Under flooring and carpet.
In areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens, mold can also thrive beneath flooring and carpets. Water leaks, high humidity levels, and flooding can create a breeding ground for mold. Since the mold growth occurs beneath the surface, it can go unnoticed for an extended period, gradually spreading and compromising the structural integrity of your home.
Inside HVAC systems and ductwork.
The HVAC system in your home or business can serve as a conduit for mold to spread. Mold spores can enter the system through outdoor air intake vents or infiltrate from contaminated areas within your structure. The dark, damp environment inside the ductwork provides an ideal breeding ground for mold to thrive. When mold is hidden in the HVAC system, it can circulate spores into every room, potentially causing health problems for occupants. Let St. John Environmental Consulting inspect for potential mold growth so you can take the necessary steps to breathe easier.
Within attics and crawl spaces.
Out of sight, out of mind, and this might be true of the attic and crawl space that are often overlooked areas susceptible to mold growth. Inadequate ventilation, insulation issues, or roof leaks can create conditions favorable for mold development. Since these spaces are rarely accessed, mold can flourish undetected for a long time.
The hidden nature of mold makes it a persistent and potentially dangerous problem within homes and businesses.
Mold growth affects your health, and the unchecked spread of spores can quickly compromise the structural integrity of any building. Mold and mildew species are opportunistic and thrive anywhere there is enough moisture and some warmth. Be vigilant about the areas in your home or workplace that foster these conditions, or ask for our inspection and testing services today.
