Basic Mold Information

Remember NationDry stands ready to alleviate any of your mold problems with services that include: mold remediation, waterproofing and structural repair originating from water damage. Click here for a list of NationDry services.

Mold's function in nature is to break down and decompose organic materials. Thus given sufficient moisture they can grow on almost any material even inorganic ones when sufficient dirt or materials congregate on them. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce which float through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors they can grow and start digesting whatever they are growing on. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, fabric and foods. There is no normal way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment, thus the key to controlling indoor mold growth is to control moisture. To see what type of services NationDry offers for mold remediation and to control moisture click here.

What is mold?
Molds are a type of fungi. Their small particles are present everywhere both indoors and outdoors. Molds can grow anywhere there is moisture including hidden areas in your home. In nature they function to decompose dead organic material such as leaves, wood and plants.

Why Does Mold Start Growing In My Home?
Mold spores are always in the air around us. They enter your home with the air or sometimes attached to clothing or pets. When a mold spore drops onto a moist surface the colony begins to grow.

Where does mold grow?
Although mold can grow anywhere moisture is present it is more common on wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, and the paper layer or wallboard. However mold colonies can also grow on materials such as dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, carpets and upholstery in damp or moist conditions. Mold can grow on dust and dirt that accumulates on inorganic matter such as on concrete or in air ducts. Basements and attics are especially common areas for mold infestation, NationDry specializes in mold remediation in these areas.

What Does Mold Need to Grow?
Most importantly mold needs water to trigger its growth. Mold also needs food, oxygen and a temperature range between 40°F and 100°F. Since mold decomposes dead organic material it can grow on wood, the paper facing on gypsum board and other materials made from wood. Molds can decompose wood, materials made from wood and also some synthetic materials such as adhesives, pastes and paints. Mold cannot get nutrients from inorganic material such as concrete, glass and metal, however it can grow on the dirt or dust buildup present on these surfaces. Some molds can get the moisture they need from the air when the air is very damp (generally a humidity above 80%). These growth parameters make basements and attics especially vulnerable to mold infestation.

What types of mold are commonly found indoors?
Common molds that may invade your home come in various types and colors. The most common indoor molds are: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Mucor. The toxic molds that can be found in homes are two species of black mold, Stachybotrys (the more common) and Memnoniella.

Where does mold grow?
Although mold can grow anywhere moisture is present it is more common on wet cellulose based materials, including paper and paper products, and cardboard. Also, common materials such as dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, carpets and upholstery can also help support their growth in damp or moist conditions.

How can I tell if I have mold in my home?
Sight and especially smell are often adequate to tell if mold is present. Mold growths may have a soft, fuzzy, cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery appearance and may appear in may colors. Make sure to look around areas where there is excess moisture. Look behind and underneath materials (carpets, wallpaper, flooring, sink and cabinets), around pipes and areas of condensation, in the basement and attic, on furniture, and items in storage. Sometimes deconstruction such as opening a wall may be needed to inspect enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden. Because this can cause damage to your home or potentially release large amount of hidden spores, in these cases it may be best to contact a professional service such as NationDry. Click here for a free Mold inspection and estimate.

How can I clean mold areas?
In some cases where the area is small mold can be removed by a thorough cleaning with soap and water. If you choose to use bleach, do so with caution. If you have an larger amount of mold or you suspect the mold is in a hidden or hard to reach area where deconstruction my occur to reach it, you should contact NationDry. We have experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes. Remember there is no point in trying to remove the mold if you do not first correct the moisture problem that led to the mold. If it remains the mold will quickly return.

How do molds affect people?
There is evidence that large amounts of mold exposure may affect those with impaired immune system function and cause allergic reactions. Molds is suspected of being involved in asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people

Suspicion of Hidden Mold
If a room or building smells moldy when you enter it but you cannot see any visible source of mold, you may suspect that hidden mold is lurking somewhere nearby. If you or a family member is not feeling well, having respiratory problems or allergy problems this may also signal hidden mold in your home. Mold can easily find a place to grow in hidden locations such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Hidden mold is also common inside walls around pipes (when pipes leak or have condensation present on a regular basis), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles. If you suspect you have hidden mold contact NationDry, we have technicians capable of analyzing and fixing your problem. Find out more about hidden mold.

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