Did You Know Summer Is Mold Season in Ocean County?

4/26/2024 (Permalink)

Drywall is porous (like a sponge) and all the little pores allow perfect breeding grounds for mold as shown here.

As we head into the summer and fall months, cases of mold growth will become more common. So much so, in the restoration industry, we refer to summer as "mold season", especially in Ocean County.

Here are some general proactive tips that can help mitigate the chance for mold growth:

• Engage in “moisture controlling” behaviors, such as fixing plumbing issues and other water problems as soon as they occur and drying the area completely.
• In bathrooms or other areas prone to a lot of moisture, consider running a fan, opening a window, or cleaning more frequently to minimize the chance for mold growth. Run exhaust and/or bathroom fans as appropriate, when showering. The goal is to increase ventilation and decrease dampness.
• If possible, keep the humidity of your property’s interior below 60%. The EPA recommends an ideal relative humidity percentage of 30% – 50%. You can measure relative humidity with a small device called a humidity or moisture meter.
• Condensation can be a sign of high humidity and may occur on walls, windows, pipes, or more. If you see condensation, act quickly to dry the surface, and if possible, stop or reduce the water source. Reduce humidity by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
• Repair roof gutters and make sure they are cleaned on a regular basis.
• Make sure appliances that use moisture ventilate to the outside, if possible. 
• Be sure water pipes, or other cold surfaces, are covered with insulation if possible.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
• As part of routine maintenance, buildings should be checked regularly for evidence of water damage.

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees but it can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. It may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces and come in contact with moisture or water. It can grow especially well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold indoors should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors. Some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust but the mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Remember, moisture control is the key to mold control.

If you do find mold in your home or business, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will be there. With the personalized care of local restoration professionals who live and work in Ocean County, we are dedicated to making any mold situation “Like it never even happened.”