Mold - the causes
For many it is not entirely clear how mold gets into houses and apartments at all. In this article you will find out what causes this, what conditions must exist for mold to spread and what the causes ?
Basic causes
In order for mold to form at all, certain basic requirements must be met:
Moisture (from whatever source it comes from)
an appropriate food supply
the absence of building materials and substances that are mold-killing (such as lime paint
humidity
Moisture or moisture is a basic requirement for mold growth. The mold can only grow where there is sufficient moisture that no longer dries. Individual types of mold, such as red mold, even require particularly high amounts of moisture before they can grow.
Direct moisture or wetness
Defective water pipes are the main cause that walls, ceilings or floors become heavily dampened over time. Especially if minor damage is not repaired and water seeps into the masonry again and again, a high degree of moisture penetration of the component can occur. Defective roof drainage can also lead to individual or larger damp areas, as well as:
rainwater entering through leaky roofs
penetrating melt water
Floods, water damage
Condensation
Condensation is usually the main cause of mold growth. Condensation occurs again and again at individual points due to a temperature gradient or a thermal bridge. Over time, this can result in a permanent high level of moisture in individual points, where mold then forms.
Insulation as the cause
Today's highly insulated houses and apartments are particularly susceptible to condensation, where even the smallest construction errors can result in high temperature gradients at individual points or in individual areas. This leads to the condensation of the moisture contained in the air, which is then reflected in the components. In such cases, the cause must be tackled in any case.
Indoor humidity
Too high humidity in the room can also lead to condensation. This can be the case for a short time after bathing and cooking if there is insufficient ventilation. However, this is also possible if the optimum level of air humidity in the apartment or in the basement is permanently exceeded - for example, during building drying, or after conversions in which a high amount of moisture has been introduced.
Food supply
The food supply for mold usually consists of organic materials (wood, paper, cellulose-containing substances, but also clothing or dirt on walls and ceilings). Molds are often specialized in certain food sources, but also metabolize inorganic material (e.g. copper). Hence their color often comes from. However, the nutrient can only be used if sufficient moisture is available and mold-friendly substances (such as a lime paint) are not available.