Mold often appears on the walls of bathrooms, basements and areas with high humidity and low circulation. Even after it has been completely removed, many wonder why does mold keep coming back? Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions for those living in the home such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and can accentuate asthma which is why persistent mold problems must be addressed. Recurrent mold’s appearance on walls occurs when the ideal environment is created for mold to form and grow. In this blog, we’ll offer tips on figuring out the issues that create the perfect conditions for mold to form so you can stop wondering why does mold keep coming back!
What are the Underlying Causes of Mold?
Moisture
Mold requires moisture to grow. Homes with high humidity caused by water leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation provide the necessary conditions for mold spores to settle and grow. Surfaces like drywall, wood, and insulation, commonly found in walls, can absorb moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold. Without moisture, mold cannot survive or spread, which is why controlling moisture levels in your home is key to preventing mold growth.
Hidden Mold
Mold can develop in places that aren’t immediately visible, like inside wall cavities, behind wallpaper, or under insulation. This mold may go unnoticed for a long time, allowing it to spread and making you wonder why does mold keep coming back on your walls? Since it thrives in these concealed areas, it continuously releases spores that can settle on exposed surfaces, including walls, leading to visible mold growth. Addressing hidden mold and its moisture source is crucial to preventing ongoing mold problems.
Mold Spores
Mold spores are microscopic and will always naturally be present outside and in our homes. Even when there is no visible mold growth in your home, there are still small amounts of mold spores in the air awaiting a moisture-rich surface to settle on. In homes with poorly ventilated spaces and high humidity levels, the resilient mold spores can settle, feed, and multiply on your walls.
Home Remedies vs. Professional Remediation
Persistent mold problems often indicate deeper, underlying issues that DIY methods can’t fully address. If you’ve tried to clean the affected surfaces with a cleaner designed for mold (not bleach!), scrubbing thoroughly and drying completely, and used a dehumidifier only to find the mold returning on your walls, then it is time to call a professional for mold remediation on your home. Mold can grow in areas you can’t see, like behind walls or under floors, and professionals have the tools to detect it. They use specialized equipment and products to remove mold safely and effectively, reducing the risk of regrowth and protecting your health from mold spores. Professionals are able to answer and prevent why mold keeps coming back because they thoroughly assess your home and can find and fix the root cause of the moisture, stopping the breeding ground for mold growth.
The Life Cycle Of Mold
Stage 1: Hyphal Formation
During decomposition, hyphae which are thread-like filamentous cells, release enzymes that help break down organic matter and absorb water and nutrients. As the hyphae take in nutrients from the decaying material, they grow and develop into a fungus.
Stage 2: Formation Of Spores
Spores form at the tips of hyphae cells, and their growth rate and quality are influenced by several factors, including light or darkness, oxygen levels, temperature (warm or cold), and the availability of organic material.
Stage 3: Dispersal Of Spores
Mold begins to spread after spores are formed. The spores are released into the air and carried to new locations where they can begin the germination process and continue the growth cycle. Spores can remain dormant for months or even years, in harsh conditions (hot, arid, cold). However, when they encounter moisture and the right conditions, they become active again and resume growth.
Stage 4: Germination Of Spores
When mold spores land on a surface with adequate moisture and nutrients, they absorb water and swell, signaling the beginning of germination. This activation phase begins the cycle all over again.
Prevention of Mold Returning
It’s important to look into the underlying causes of the high humidity and if there are hidden mold spore colonies behind the wallpaper, in the drywall, or insulation. When mold problems continue to be a problem on the walls of your home, it is time to stop asking why does mold keep coming back and hire a mold expert. Homeowners should consult an experienced mold remediation specialist like MSR Remediation to find out what makes their walls an ideal environment for the mold life cycle. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your home and let experienced professionals do the dirty work to make the walls of your home clean and safe from mold.
