There are thousands upon thousands of strains of mold, but one thing is for certain, you do not want any of them in your home. No matter the variety, mold can look unappealing, create a musty scent, and cause negative health effects. Mold spores create allergens that can cause sensitive people to experience hay fever-like symptoms, as well as rashes, headaches, and nausea. Though there are tons of negative side effects that come from mold, many homeowners still allow it to grow and thrive in their homes and particularly, their bathrooms. Keep reading to learn more about bathroom mold growth and the common factors that cause it most frequently.

What Causes Mold Growth in Bathrooms?

Mold thrives in damp areas, especially on living or once-living sources like wood. This is why bathrooms are the prime locations for household mold. These rooms are almost always full of moisture and, following a shower, humidity. And, though not every type of mold should cause you to panic, you still do not want it in your home. Along with the negative health effects mentioned above, mold can also cause structural damage to your bathroom. If you suspect mold is growing in your bathroom, schedule an appointment with a professional who performs mold testing in Baltimore, MD before too much damage is caused. You should also be on the lookout for these top five reasons mold may grow in your bathroom.

Drippy or Leaking Faucets

When a faucet drips consistently, it makes the sink, tub, or shower constantly wet. Because mold thrives in moist environments, this is the perfect spot for it to call home. If you notice a drip, repair the faucet as soon as you can to prevent any sort of mold growth.

Clogged Drains

Clogs in your drains can also cause mold to flourish. Soap scum, hair, dirt, and grease can all lead to a drain backup in the shower or sink. This debris prevents the water from going down the drain as it normally would, which means the drain will be wet for longer. The excess of water in combination with the blockage makes it an ideal place for mold growth.

Wet Shower Surfaces

With regular use, the surface of your shower will naturally become dirty with soap and body oils. These leftovers from regular showering in combination with the shower water and humidity make a perfect environment for mold to form, especially on the ceiling, grout, and the whole surrounding area.

Improper Ventilation

Depending on where you live and the local building codes, your bathroom may be required to have a functioning exhaust fan or an operable window. Both of these, when they work properly, allow moisture to vent out of the room and help to prevent mold growth. However, some older homes do not have exhaust fans or windows. Even if your home does have one or the other, if they aren’t used regularly or do not work efficiently, humidity and moisture can still build up in the room.

Leaks Behind the Wall

The moisture in your bathroom may even be coming from a source that you cannot see. This can include a leaky pipe behind the wall or a crack in the grout that allows moisture to sit beneath the tile flooring. As you may have guessed, this dark and damp area is perfect for mold.

If you suspect there is mold growing in your bathroom, contact us at Lodestar Inspection Services to schedule an inspection today.