Molds in the Environment

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.

Molds are a type of fungi and live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter when moisture is present. In nature molds play a pivotal role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials which they use for food. Without molds, the environment would be overflowing with large amounts of dead plant matter.

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. These mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air, and on indoor and outdoor surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on. This is one reason why it is important to prevent mold growth on building materials and furnishings etc. in order to prevent their eventual destruction.

Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water to survive; since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that limits mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors making attics and basements especially vulnerable. Common sites for indoor mold growth include attics, basements, areas around windows where moisture condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Hidden mold can be often be found behind wallboard, behind furniture, and under wallpaper. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, basement wall and floor cracks and leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates making attics a common area of infestation.