How Summer Humidity in Rhode Island Leads to Mold Growth & What to Do About It

Anyone who has lived in Rhode Island during the summer months understands how humid it can become. As much as we love living so close to the ocean, it can certainly make life uncomfortably humid sometimes. When you think about the downside of high humidity, that muggy, oppressive feeling is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It can be easy to forget that high humidity also poses a serious mold risk for our homes and businesses.  

At Clean Rite Cleaning & Restoration, we’re a local company based here in Rhode Island, so we’re well acquainted with the mold growth challenges that come with our state’s humidity. If you’re a Rhode Islander, here is what you need to know about humidity, mold growth, and how they are related.

Why Does Rhode Island’s High Humidity Lead to Mold Growth?

Moisture and mold growth go hand in hand. Why is that? It all comes down to the conditions mold needs to grow and thrive.

Mold spores are present in the air just about everywhere. When they are at safe levels, this isn’t a big deal. Only when all the right conditions are met does mold begin to grow. Here are the conditions needed for mold growth:

• Ideal Temperatures: The ideal temperature for mold to begin growing is between 60°F and 80°F. Unfortunately, that is also the ideal temperature range for humans, so most of us keep our homes at a temperature somewhere in that range.
• Organic Food Source: In order for mold to grow, it needs a food source. Just about any organic material will do. Our homes and businesses have many different organic materials in them, like wood, drywall, cloth, and paper. This means that mold rarely has a hard time finding a food source.
• Moisture: For mold spores to become mold, they need moisture. Excessive moisture comes in many forms, including some of the more obvious ones, like a burst pipe or storm flooding. But humidity is also a source of moisture, which means when the humidity is high enough, it can prompt mold growth in as little as 24 hours.   

Controlling Moisture and Humidity to Prevent Humidity-Related Mold Growth

Of all the conditions required for mold growth, excessive moisture is the most controllable, making it the key to preventing mold growth. If you’re dealing with water damage, the most important thing you can do to prevent it from leading to mold growth is to act quickly and call in a team of restoration experts. Our team at Clean Rite Cleaning and Restoration responds to emergency water damage 24 hours a day, so that we can help you get control of the water damage before it leads to mold growth.

Controlling your home’s humidity levels can also help you prevent mold growth. If you’re a Rhode Islander worried about high humidity leading to mold growth, investing in a dehumidifier to control your indoor humidity levels could help.

What to Do When Your Rhode Island Home Has Mold Growth

If you’re smelling a musty odor or seeing splotches on your walls, floors, or ceiling, there’s a good chance that your home has microbial growth. If this sounds like it’s happening in your home, we suggest that you: 

1. Call a trained, certified local mold remediation company. At Clean Rite Cleaning & Restoration, we’re happy to help. We will perform an inspection, document our findings, and make recommendations for your next steps.
2. Don’t touch the affected area while you wait for your restoration team to arrive. Disturbing mold can spread mold spores, which will only make the situation worse.

Get Help From Mold Remediation Specialists in Rhode Island

Our team at Clean Rite Cleaning & Restoration is ready to help you tackle the mold growth in your home. We’re IICRC-certified in mold remediation, so we can provide mold removal solutions that actually work, rather than leaving it half-addressed, the way many DIY approaches do. If you're in need of mold removal services or have any questions, reach out to Clean Rite Cleaning & Restoration! We are ready to get to work!