If you live in or near Long Beach, California, you may have noticed that mold is a common problem in many homes. From the bathroom to the kitchen and even behind walls, mold growth can be a huge headache for homeowners and renters alike. But what is it about Long Beach that makes it so susceptible to mold? In this blog, we will discuss environmental factors, building conditions and practical tips for mold prevention at home.
1. The Climate of Long Beach: Fungal Friendly
Long Beach is in Southern California, where the climate combines coastal and semi-arid. This means temperatures are warm and humidity is fairly high most of the year. Proximity to the ocean and prevailing sea breezes bring in more moisture in the air. This temperate climate is great for getting outside, but it’s also perfect for mold to thrive.
Mold flourishes in warm, wet environments. In coastal communities such as Long Beach, where the average relative humidity might be 70 percent or more, easily found mold spores can settle and start to germinate (grow) on surfaces that retain moisture. That’s especially the case in cooler months, when windows are closed and the air inside houses becomes more humid.
2. Old Homes and Plumbing Problems
Like much of Long Beach, particularly Downtown and the city’s coastal areas, there are a number of older buildings and homes in this neighborhood. These houses are all character and charm, but they also often come with unanticipated issues, one of the biggest being old plumbing. Old pipes might have leaks or spots of damage that can cause slow water seepage. It’s possible for water to migrate through walls and insulation, precisely the conditions mold needs to thrive.
In addition, many older homes suffer from not being well ventilated. Ventilation is important to avoid moisture build-up inside your house. Without good airflow, condensation builds up on windows, walls and ceilings, and the extra moisture offers mold an ideal breeding ground.
For a professional way to serve mold problems, you can choose mold removal in Long Beach, a service that is trustworthy in ensuring your home is free from mold.
3. Coastal Humidity and Fog
Long Beach, located right on the water, is especially impacted by the marine layer. The marine layer is a thick haze that comes in from the ocean, carrying cool, wet air. It can feel refreshing in the summertime, but it also brings moisture into the air and works toward staying damp in homes. And even when it seems the fog has abated, the dampness it leaves in its wake can keep the air inside humid enough to breed mold.
In turn the condensation can develop on surfaces including windowsills, walls and ceilings, as the warm indoor temperatures mix with the fog. In houses with poor insulation or inadequate waterproofing, this moisture can easily seep into drywall, wood and other porous materials, promoting mold infestations.
4. Inadequate Ventilation and Air Circulation
But as homes in Long Beach get older, so do the ventilation systems. From newer homes which were designed with contemporary HVAC and get in mind, older homes may not have been built with air flow in the same way. Units such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms that are typically outside ventilation need to control the moisture level. Without exhaust fans — or with broken or old systems, these rooms can turn into hot spots for mold.
Many homeowners also seal up windows and doors to retain warmth during the cooler months. Although this is sensible for efficiency purposes, this also potentially keeps moisture in, creating an optimal place for mold.
5. Rain and Water Intrusion
While Southern California is not the place to go for precipitation, Long Beach does get plenty of rain during the winter months. Damaged roofs, gutters or foundation cracks can let water into a home. Even minor water damage can lead to considerable damage if it isn’t dealt with immediately. Rain can wash water into walls, under flooring and into attics, where it may not be immediately visible but can lead to mold growth over time.
6. Storm Surges and Tidal Flooding
Long Beach’s coastal location, at low elevation, renders it vulnerable to tidal flooding and storm surges. A significant flooding event might happen once in a hundred years or so, but homes whose storm flows carry water in can experience mold problems, even with just small amounts of water intrusion. Water from floods that flows into homes that brings in moisture and contaminants that can aggravate mold and complicate the cleanup.
Preventing Mold in Your Long Beach Home
Now that you know why mold might thrive here in Long Beach, let’s discuss what you can do to prevent it from taking control of your home.
1. Improve Ventilation
Ensure that you are keeping your home and high-moisture spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms properly ventilated. Install exhaust fans when required and place dehumidifiers to be able to help handle humidity ranges in the air.
2. Fix Leaks Immediately
Then if you notice leaks in your plumbing or your roof, handle those right away. Even small leaks can contribute to mold growth. Document your water damage discovery regularly.
3. Use Mold-Resistant Materials
If you’re renovating or constructing, use mold resistant materials that can prevent moisture such as mold resistant drywall, paint and insulation.
4. Control Indoor Humidity
Maintain indoor relative humidity under 60 percent. In areas with lots of humidity, use dehumidifiers or air conditioning to keep the indoor climate comfortable.
5. Clean and Inspect Regularly
Check for damp areas — mold loves to grow in basements, attics, and bathrooms and these spaces can be cleaned and dried as needed. Using mold-cleaning products in that case can prevent a small issue from becoming a big infestation.
6. Use a Mold-Resistant Primer
In moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens for basements, apply mold-resistant primer on the walls before painting. This additional security can prevent mold from emerging.
7. Protect Against Flooding
Proper drainage systems — make sure if your home is near water, that your foundation is sealed. During storms, flood barriers or sump pumps can be a worthwhile investment to keep water from entering your home.
Mold can be an incredibly common issue in Long Beach, however, it can be avoided if steps are taken in advance. Moisture control is key, given the combination of the area’s climate, older homes and wet weather, which can happen occasionally. Increased ventilation, fixing leaks promptly and monitoring the humidity levels in your home can all help reduce the risk of mold significantly. Finally, by making sure that your home is dry and maintaining it as such, you can prevent the headache of mold remediation and keep your home inhabitable for many years!
