Mold Basics and Facts

With the increased emphasis on indoor air quality in commercial and residential settings, the subject of mold is frequently addressed in disaster restoration projects. Here are a few mold basics and facts that will help you understand what mold is and what restoration providers look for in the remediation of a mold loss.

Molds are members of the fungi family. (Other types of fungi include mushrooms, wood rot and yeasts.) Perhaps the most important thing to know about mold is that it requires moisture to live and thrive. Fungi feed on organic material and must have a combination of moisture, air, and warm temperatures to grow.  Often, this is precisely the environment found in water damage situations. Even commonly known "dry rot" requires moisture. In general, most molds and fungi need moisture content greater than about 20 percent.

Molds can take a long time to grow at first, but once established, the colonies can be very durable. If conditions become less than optimal for growth, mold colonies can become dormant for many years. When optimum moisture and temperature conditions return, the colony will begin to feed and grow again. This is one reason mold prevention is easier and less expensive than mold remediation.

The simple fact is that, to prevent fungi, buildings must be kept dry.

Here are some other pertinent facts about mold:

Mold organisms often thrive in hidden places and are hard to detect. On closer inspection, a black substance may be found inside walls, cracks, crevices or on windowsills.  A moldy or musty smell may also be apparent.

Sampling is often required to estimate whether mold levels are too high. Tape lift samples, bulk samples and air samples are three commonly used methods for evaluating mold.  Timely response to a water disaster is critical to avoid mold problems. Bulk water must be immediately removed and ambient air should be dehumidified as soon as possible. Dry air must be delivered to all the damp cracks, crevices, and cavities  -- prime spots for mold colonization. Even totally soaked environments can be properly restored if they are dried soon enough.

Drywall, carpet, upholstery and other porous materials are difficult to save once mold penetrates. Wood, cement and other hard surfaces can usually be successfully cleaned. Often, it is necessary to call in environmental specialists to properly sample, test, and determine the presence and type of mold in a building. If mold is found, the environmental specialists can also advise contractors on proper protocols to follow for elimination of the specific types of mold present.  After the cleaning, it is important to re-test to ensure that the mold has been eradicated.

It is also an option to have an experienced, technically knowledgeable disaster restoration contractor who can determine when it is necessary to bring in such expertise and who can supervise the protocol and proper procedures that need to be followed.

When you are faced with mold issues in your home or office, consider contacting a company that specializes in mold restoration.