HGTV's Mike Holmes Explains The Sneaky Way Mold Could Get Trapped In Your Home

Any homeowner would panic at the thought of mold forming in their house. Even the most common types of mold can wreak havoc on your health and your home's structural integrity, too. In Season 1, Episode 16 of "Holmes Inspection," HGTV star Mike Holmes encountered a prime example of how bad ventilation can create a perfect atmosphere for mold. The family in question had unknowingly allowed their attic to become a breeding ground for mold due to improper airflow and structural oversights. Since Holmes knew exactly how to tell if the home had proper ventilation, he was able to see the problem easily. 

Mold-induced health problems can become severe if the problem is not addressed. Inhalation of mold spores can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure can be even more harmful for those with preexisting conditions like asthma or weakened immune systems. Mold can also silently compromise the framework of your home, eating away at wood, drywall, and insulation. These are damages that are very expensive to fix!

During the episode "No Breathing Room," Mike Holmes pointed out a chain of ventilation issues that had turned the family's attic into a mold haven. His team quickly noticed that the attic was sealed too tightly. This created a stagnant environment where moisture accumulated, offering the perfect conditions for mold. There was also the issue of a poorly designed kitchen exhaust system that was funneling moist air directly into the attic where it had no escape route.

To make matters worse, Holmes discovered another critical issue with the home's soffits, which are supposed to allow fresh air into the attic. He pointed out that the soffits were blocked by plywood installed beneath the vents with no holes that could allow airflow. This effectively trapped air in the attic, increasing moisture levels and accelerating mold growth. "Air is not moving from outside up through the soffit, into the attic space, and out through the vents," Holmes explained.

Homeowners should prioritize proper ventilation throughout the house to prevent this nightmare. This can be achieved by ensuring that installed exhaust fans vent outdoors and that soffits are unobstructed. See to it that regular inspection is done so that issues can be addressed immediately. A professional inspection is often the best way to identify hidden problems, as mold and poor ventilation are not always easy to spot without expertise. Don't wait for mold to become visible to take action! And if you want to try all angles of fighting this silent aggressor, you can also use houseplants that can help keep your house mold-free.