Causes of Mold Growth and How to Prevent it

Barrett Dick • April 20, 2022

Mold is often an unfortunate part of home or business ownership. Given the right environment, mold can quickly spread and begin to negatively impact not only the structure, but the health of its inhabitants as well. The key to minimizing mold development and exposure is first understanding what leads to the growth of mold and how those situations can be prevented.


What Causes Mold to Develop?


Mold thrives in damp environments. In fact, mold spores cannot survive without the presence of moisture. For this reason, it is mostly found in areas prone to moisture or water exposure. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, around windows, and roofs.


While moisture is the key ingredient, mold still requires a particular set of circumstances in order to thrive. It must have oxygen to survive, reproduce, and spread to other areas. It also requires an environment that lacks sunlight, as UV rays destroy mold which is why mold is often located in corners, within walls, crawl spaces and other dark areas.


Finally, mold requires an optimal temperature range in order to grow. Temperatures between 72 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for mold growth, along with humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. Unfortunately, these ranges fall within the typical environment along the Gulf Coast.


How can Mold Growth be Prevented?


Preventing mold growth, particularly in the southern region of the country, can be difficult. Our average temperatures and humidity make our structures havens for mold, and it is all but impossible to deprive mold of oxygen or fully expose it to sunlight. Instead, the following steps can be taken to help keep mold far away from your home or business:


  • Dry Wet Surfaces Quickly – Once it finds a good environment, mold can begin to take hold in as little as 24 hours, making it crucial to immediately address any leaks or standing water. In the case of flooding, it is best to consult experts who have the proper equipment and training to ensure the affected area is completely dry and free of mold spores.


  • Use Insulation – Insulation in proper areas of a structure such as walls, ceilings, and attics can help protect against condensation.


  • Ensure Proper Ventilation – Ventilation can help carry away mold spores that may otherwise settle in an area. As the bathroom is a common site of mold, it is recommended to run a fan while showering and open windows afterwards.


  • Service HVAC Systems Regularly – Condensation, particularly in the summer months, can make HVAC systems perfect environments for mold. Regular maintenance of these systems can help prevent any scenario where mold could take hold.


  • Check for Leaks – Leaks in a roof, under sinks, or anywhere else in the structure is a major problem that can lead to mold and extensive structural damage. Develop a habit of checking your roof and other possible sites of leaks at least a couple of times per year.

 

Mold Remediation Experts


If you see signs of mold in your home or business, it is important to address the situation quickly. Mold remediation experts like those at Guarantee Restoration can determine the extent of mold and ensure that it is fully eradicated. Contact us to learn more.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
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