Some people believe that bricks are a mold-proof building item, but this is not the case. Although bricks are not that porous and don’t have the organic matter necessary for mold to feed, they can develop mold issues. This is because of other materials that can build up on the brick surfaces. Technically, mold doesn’t grow within masonry bricks. However, it is not true that your brick walls or other brick surfaces are incapable of having mold problems.
Mold Grows on Bricks for the Same Reason Mold Grows Anywhere
Mold needs three things to have a very successful breeding ground: moisture, food, and stagnancy.
As far as humidity goes, mold loves anything above 60%. The food mold will eat is anything that is considered organic matter. Dust almost always contains organic matter. Lastly, stagnancy occurs because of locations that lack proper ventilation.
Brick does not really have any of the qualities necessary for mold growth. However, it does collect dust, like anything else. The dirt and debris on the surface of a brick can harbor mold. Mold doesn’t grow in bricks, but it does grow on dirty bricks.
Exterior and Interior Bricks
For exterior bricks, mold growth typically occurs in low light conditions where the sun cannot dry the bricks. This may be on a side of the home that stays shady due to trees or shadows. The only way to keep mold away from exterior bricks is to keep them clean. Keep dirt and debris off of your exterior bricks, and mold won’t be able to survive because it will starve.
It may take more time for mold to build up on interior bricks because it may not have as much dirt to handle, but eventually dust will settle. Again, you must keep the brick clean in order to avoid a mold infestation. You can also invest in a dehumidifier and ensure proper ventilation to help reduce the risk of mold growth.
Safety Concerns for Mold Growth on Brick
Mold growth on exterior bricks should be done with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but safety is much more important when dealing with mold on the inside of a structure. This is because mold can be harmful to your health. Not only must you clean the brick while properly protecting yourself, but you also must make sure you do a thorough job and remove the mold-friendly situation from the building. This is where professional services can be very handy. Not only do mold removal specialists know how to remove mold safely, but they know how to prevent its recurrence.