Understanding Mold-Causing Condensation

The key to mold control is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems! Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible. Watch for condensation. Keep HVAC drip pans and pipes clean. Maintain humidity below 60% relative humidity to control mold growth.

These are just a few quick tips to help you control mold in your commercial building or home. However, as many say, knowledge is power. This article will provide you with helpful knowledge to understand why mold can happen in your building in the first place. Mold is everywhere and can't be completely eliminated. However, it requires moisture to thrive and spread. Knowing what can cause that condensation will help you pinpoint problem spots and solve them before they can become serious issues.

Mold is everywhere and can't be completely eliminated.

Why does Mold-Causing Condensation Happen?

Condensation forms when warm air encounters a colder surface. Cold surfaces naturally occur with large temperature differences between the inside and the outside of a building. This naturally occurring event where water vapor moves through building materials from moist to dry air is called Diffusion. This can happen even when the material has no visible holes.

Capillary Action, where small openings or pores in building materials allow water to wick upwards into the building, can be another source of water entry. This can be seen in materials like drywall, wood flooring, plywood, and other water-sensitive building materials.

The Stack Effect occurs when warm, dry air rises and escapes through the upper levels of the home while cooler, wet air finds its way into the lower levels in order for the home's internal environment to equalize, or vice versa. This effect can happen in the summer and winter when temperature differences are the most pronounced.

Another source of condensation or water damage can be forceful winds. When the wind combines with driving rain, water can seep into a commercial building or home through cracks and crevices that are normally unseen.

Proper ventilation, building design & maintenance, and a well-functioning AC system are a few things that can help prevent that condensation from becoming mold damage.

Common Sources of Moisture and Water Damage

One of the most common places you'll see condensation is on windows, especially if they are foggy or have water spots. Window condensation happens when cool outside air encounters warm indoor air near the window.

Air conditioning ducts are notorious for collecting moisture that then causes mold to grow inside them. The best thing to do to prevent AC issues is to establish a routine maintenance schedule to ensure proper functioning HVAC systems.

Vinyl Wallpaper can also often harbor mold behind it because of diffusion. If installed on outer walls that are more exposed to temperature differences, this issue is more likely to occur.

Condensation on cool metal surfaces such as copper pipes can be another common source of moisture and mold.

Failing building vapor barriers can be more serious moisture and mold-causing issues. When building foundations or walls are installed, usually vapor barriers such as 6mil plastic sheeting, house wrap, or primer paint are also installed to create waterproofing separation between the inside and outside of the building. If too many holes, ruptures, cracks, or damage occur to these vapor barriers, moisture entry is much more likely to occur.

While there are many potential causes for moisture and water damage to a home, getting rid of and preventing mold isn't just an aesthetic matter. That's why SERVPRO of North Atlanta/Buckhead and SERVPRO of Southeast Nashville use advanced protocols to quickly locate, identify and remediate mold infestations in commercial buildings and homes.