MOLD IN YOUR GARAGE? WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT CAUSED?

Mold is the common term for over 300,000 different fungi. The spores of this microorganism are invisible and travel through the air until they land on a moist surface. They can reproduce and multiply so rapidly that mold-growth can quickly become out of control. These mold grows come in a range of colors, can have an unpleasant odor, and can in some cases be dangerous to health.

For mold to grow, it requires organic material, moisture, warmth and oxygen. Domestic and commercial garages provide the ideal conditions for mold growth. Wood, paper, cardboard and fabrics are ideal organic matter for the microscopic pores to grow on. Garages usually have excess moisture due to rain, flooding, condensation, and standing water. This problem is exacerbated in southern states which have warmer climates.

Even if your mold problem appears small, there could be substantial growth on surfaces you cannot see, inside cavity walls, underneath floorboards and on the other side of ceiling tiles. To avoid dangerous mold growths, and expensive mold remediation work, you should tackle the causes of the mold growth. The easiest factor to tackle is moisture. 

A weatherseal can stop moist air entering and causing condensation. A good ventilation system will also help, so consider installing an air-conditioning unit in the garage. A weatherseal will also prevent cold air entering, which would allow water vapor to condense. The weatherseal will result in a garage temperature above dew point, helping to reduce condensation in the garage. 

In instances of extreme mold growth, it is recommended that you contact mold remediation experts to help remove the growths. Once that is done you can install a weatherseal to help prevent against any new growths.