Common Causes of Water Intrusion that Lead to Mold
1. Title: Common Causes of Water Intrusion that Lead to Mold
Written by: Mold Busters
77 King St. West,
Toronto, ON M5K 1P2
Website: http://bustmold.com
The moment you notice any leaking pipes or roofing, flooding in the basement, or condensation
around your windows, make sure to take quick and effective measures to fix the problem as soon as
possible. Any delay could lead to both severe structural damage to your home and mold and mildew
growth.
While the damage mold is able to cause to your property usually requires costly repairs and
renovations, mildew growth can also lead to various health issues for your family.
It is, therefore, important to carry out a home inspection process from time to time to check for any
leaking pipes or areas that may be releasing moisture and water. Since moisture and damp provide
the ideal conditions for harmful (and sometimes toxic!) fungi to grow, it is imperative to check your
house for leaks. This means examining your toilets, sinks and taps, pipes, windows, basements,
attics, laundry rooms, and building foundation for cracks or any signs of leakage.
Since it is virtually impossible for the average person to conduct all of these inspections on his/her
own, seeking help from professionals who specialize in house mold inspection and removal services
is both a practical and efficient solution.
Three major areas are the primary sources of water intrusion that results in water damage and mold
growth: (1) plumbing leaks, (2) basement leaks and (3) leaky roofs. Let us have a closer look at each
one of these.
Causes of leaky roofs:
If the sealing around skylights, vent pipes or chimneys is old, worn out, or missing, this can
result in leaky roofs.
Strong winds along with heavy rainfall can often cause water to seep underneath shingles
and sidings; rain water can also enter the house through chimneys.
2. An improperly installed roof or a roof with a weak structure is more prone to leaks,
increasing the chances of rain water seeping through.
Rain water collects when the rafters get broken or when roof starts to sag down, eventually
causing leaks.
Clogged or dirty gutters can cause water to back up, accumulate and enter the home.
Every homeowner living in big cities like Toronto or small suburbs should perform timely and regular
house and roof inspections especially during spring, the rainy season.
Causes of leaky plumbing:
Both new and old homes are prone to leaky plumbing, which can occur in more ways than one.
People living in new houses face this problem often because of improperly installed plumbing or
faulty plastic pipes. Older houses are obviously prone to this issue because of corroded or rusty
pipes. Intense cold during the winter can also cause pipes to burst. To avoid water intrusion and
damage resulting from plumbing issues, it is important to inspect the water lines in your home at
least once a year.
Causes of basement leaks:
Basement flooding is a common occurrence and can be a difficult problem to solve. If not treated
timely and properly, it can lead to intense mold and mildew growth. Some common causes of leaks
and flooding in basements include
Heavy rainfall
Buckling of wood or floor tiles
Cracks in the foundation
Spills that have not been dried thoroughly
High humidity and dampness
Keeping a check on the above‐mentioned areas by doing timely and periodic home inspections in
cities like Toronto and Montreal can minimize your risk of mold growth and costly property damage
as well as improve your overall quality of life.
Summary: Carrying out timely and regular inspections of areas in your home that are prone to
leakage can minimize your risk of mold growth and property damage.
