• Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to Mail
  • Careers
  • Press Releases
  • Testimonials
858.587.2874
Ivey Engineering

30 Years of Excellence

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Newsletter
    • Press Releases
    • Scholarship Contest
    • Testimonials
  • Expertise
    • Overview
    • HVAC
    • Plumbing
    • Fire Suppression
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Building Codes
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Facility Condition Assessment
  • Services
    • Overview
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Defects
    • Estimating & Cost Analysis
    • Building System Evaluation
    • Forensic Investigation & Failure Analysis
    • HVAC & Plumbing Design
    • Indoor Cultivation Facility Design
    • Professional Liability
    • Product Testing
  • Our Team
    • Kevin Hastings, P.E.
    • Nancy Ivey
    • William Ivey, P.E.
    • Alex Lee
    • Jorie Obias-Yambao
    • Joseph Palanca, P.E.
    • Nova Sevilla
    • David Shreve, P.E.
    • Gregory Weintraub
    • Lisa Zollinger
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • California Office
    • Virginia Office
    • Ask an Expert
    • Request Fee Schedule
    • Request Resume
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Menu Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Newsletter
    • Press Releases
    • Scholarship Contest
    • Testimonials
  • Expertise
    • Overview
    • HVAC
    • Plumbing
    • Fire Suppression
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Building Codes
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Facility Condition Assessment
  • Services
    • Overview
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Defects
    • Estimating & Cost Analysis
    • Building System Evaluation
    • Forensic Investigation & Failure Analysis
    • HVAC & Plumbing Design
    • Indoor Cultivation Facility Design
    • Professional Liability
    • Product Testing
  • Our Team
    • Kevin Hastings, P.E.
    • Nancy Ivey
    • William Ivey, P.E.
    • Alex Lee
    • Jorie Obias-Yambao
    • Joseph Palanca, P.E.
    • Nova Sevilla
    • David Shreve, P.E.
    • Gregory Weintraub
    • Lisa Zollinger
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • California Office
    • Virginia Office
    • Ask an Expert
    • Request Fee Schedule
    • Request Resume
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
You are here: Home1 / Community2 / 4 Common Causes of Mold in Buildings or Homes
white pipe leaking water

4 Common Causes of Mold in Buildings or Homes

in Community, HVAC, Plumbing/by Bill Ivey

Have you ever smelled a musty odor inside a commercial building or home? Usually that means mold is present. Mold is a fungus and is always present indoors and outdoors in small amounts. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), mold can be toxic to both humans and animals, depending on the type and amount of mold present.

Several types of molds can thrive in buildings. They all require moisture and an available food source to flourish. Mold prefers porous building materials such as drywall, the underside of wallpaper, wood, and personal belongings made of fabric, paper or leather. The potential for a mold problem is higher if the moisture is in a concealed space, such as an attic or above ceiling area where it may go unnoticed.

Education is key when it comes to preventing mold issues. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 4 Common Causes of Mold in Buildings or Homes, particularly those located in humid climates.

1. Leaky buildings and pipes

Though not limited to humid climates, one common cause of mold in buildings includes water from a severe storm leaking through the building envelope. Other contributors to mold issues are leaks from plumbing pipes and fixtures. According to ASHRAE, if the affected areas are not dried within a few days, mold will flourish.

water flooding basement of building

2. An A/C system that is not maintained

Air-conditioning systems remove moisture from the air in the form of condensate. The condensate is collected internally in a pan, which typically drains through a piping system. If the pan or drain leaks or becomes clogged, the condensate may drip into building structure and promote mold growth. Maintenance of these systems in essential in preventing mold.

Does your A/C system seem to not run very efficient? Read these five tips to help improve A/C efficiency.

person removing cover of air conditioning unit

3. Negative indoor pressure

Another cause of mold in a home or building is negative indoor pressure. If the indoor air pressure is not positive or neutral (relative to outside), moist outside air is drawn into the building envelope, causing moisture to accumulate in the walls.  Air handler systems can also create localized negative pressure, above ceilings or in the air handler closet, drawing moist air in. Mold will then grow in these locations.

4. A/C supply ducts not properly insulated

Air-conditioning supply ducts must be insulated properly or the moisture in the humid air will condense on the cold metal ducts and drip onto building elements or furnishings. This creates an environment favorable for mold growth.

air conditioning ducts in a building

Hopefully, the above list will educate readers on the steps to take to prevent future mold issues. If you find significant mold or persistent moisture, it’s best to have a professional examine it. Taking action now can help prevent future health concerns.

Curious about the types of mold that could lurk inside a home or business? This list of the four most common types of mold is a good place to start, especially if you want to know where to find a particular kind growing.

If you’re in need of an HVAC expert to investigate a potential health and safety issue, such as mold, call Ivey Engineering today.

Tags: buildings, featured, home, HVAC, plumbing
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share by Mail
You might also like
old copper gas boiler 6 Most Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
plumbing pipes in building How to Overcome Gravity in High-Rise Plumbing Systems (March 2023)
someone using a drain snake or auger to unclog toilet 5 Common Toilet Flushing Problems and How to Fix Them
Kevin Hastings senior consultant at Ivey Engineering Ivey Engineering Consultant Kevin Hastings Receives Certified Fire Protection Specialist Credential
Actress Charlize Theron in the movie North Country 6 Class Action Lawsuits that Changed U.S. History
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library is an energy-efficient green building Top 7 Energy-Efficient “Green” Buildings
Search Search
CONNECT on LinkedIn
FOLLOW on Twitter
CONNECT on Facebook

Recent Blog Posts

  • black mold on wall and underneath window
    4 Common Types of Mold and How to Prevent Mold GrowthSeptember 25, 2024 - 5:50 pm
  • Woman touching fingers to sides of head
    Poor Indoor Air Quality: 6 Causes and How to Prevent ItDecember 29, 2023 - 4:10 pm
  • Damaged floor from humidity with dehumidifier pointing at the wall
    4 Ways to Optimize an AC System for Humidity ControlJuly 21, 2023 - 4:54 pm
  • High rise building with lights on
    6 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Energy in Commercial BuildingsFebruary 16, 2023 - 4:56 pm

Categories

  • Community
  • Construction
  • Courtroom
  • Electrical
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Fire & Life Safety
  • Fire Protection
  • HVAC
  • Newsletter
  • Plumbing
  • Press Releases
  • Sustainable Living

Archives

Tags

architecture bathroom buildings claim class action comedy court case courtroom drama energy consumption energy efficiency environmentally friendly expert witness featured fire & life safety fire protection health hilarious history home house HVAC lawsuit medical imaging mistakes modern plumbing systems movies neighborhood opinion personal injury plumbing plumbing code plumbing commercials plumbing fixtures plumbing systems product liablity rainwater harvesting remodel project renewable sources renovation settlement solar panels sustainability trial verdict

About Us

Ivey Engineering is based in San Diego, California, with an additional office in Richmond, Virginia. The firm has performed expert witness and forensic consulting services since 1994 and serves clients in more than 30 states. Our staff is comprised of engineers, former construction executives and service and repair professionals who are licensed in various states.

Get in Touch

Phone: 858.587.2874

Fax: 858.587.6749

E-mail: [email protected]

Address: 8330 Juniper Creek Lane

San Diego, CA 92126

From Our Blog

  • someone using a drain snake or auger to unclog toilet
    5 Common Toilet Flushing Problems and How to Fix Themin: Plumbing
  • blue and red PEX water tubing
    Metal vs. Plastic Pipes: Weighing the Pros and Cons for Your Plumbing Needsin: Plumbing
  • black mold on wall and underneath window
    4 Common Types of Mold and How to Prevent Mold Growthin: HVAC, Plumbing
© Copyright 2025 - Ivey Engineering Inc.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Expertise
  • Services
  • Our Team
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Link to: 6 Most Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Link to: 6 Most Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 6 Most Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoningold copper gas boiler Link to: 6 Tips to Help Prevent a Home or Building Fire Link to: 6 Tips to Help Prevent a Home or Building Fire outlet with plug on fire 6 Tips to Help Prevent a Home or Building Fire
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top