Indoor mold is a threat to a house’s materials and the health of its inhabitants. Many homeowners inadvertently cause mold to grow by making careless mistakes. Mold and mildew grow when moisture sits for too long. Be careful to not make these four mistakes that cause mold indoors.

Letting Caulk Deteriorate is One of the Mistakes That Cause Mold Indoors

The caulk around sinks, tubs, and showers protects the materials behind them from water. Over time, caulk naturally deteriorates and peels away. When this happens, water can easily seep into the drywall and floors. One of the mistakes that cause mold is neglecting to re-apply caulk when you see that it is disintegrating.

Clogged Gutters

The rain gutters on a building should be cleaned out at least twice a year to keep them from getting clogged with debris. Twigs, leaves, and roofing materials settle in the gutters, making it impossible for rainwater to freely run through them. When water overflows from clogged gutters, it is likely to collect against the foundation and cause flooding into the basement or crawl space. Water sitting in these areas causes mold to grow.

Mistakes That Cause Mold Indoors: Ignoring Plumbing Leaks

Hidden plumbing leaks are a common culprit for mold growth indoors. They often go unnoticed because homeowners fail to check on pipes underneath sinks and in the basement. Take a look at these pipes regularly and feel around them for moisture. Discoloration on the pipes and stains on the surfaces around them also suggest that there is a leak.

Failing to Address Roof Damage

Water that comes in through the roof can cause mold to grow in the attic, on the ceiling, and behind the walls. This is one reason why it is important to monitor the roof’s condition. Missing shingles and deteriorating flashing are likely to cause roof leaks, which lead to mold growth.

If you have been making these mistakes that cause mold indoors, have your home tested for mold by a professional. Sevens Property Inspections provides mold testing and other inspection services. Contact us to book an appointment in New York City.