FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS ABOUT MOLD
Exactly what is mold?
Mold is a type of fungi that can grow on most any surface that contain
nutrients. Mold needs three basic ingredients to order to grow:
- Moisture -- without moisture, mold cannot grow. High humidity works just
as well as standing water in providing a suitable environment for mold growth.
- Food -- mold grows by decomposing organic materials, like paper and wood. Dirt
and construction debris trapped inside wall cavities can also serve as nutrients
for mold growth.
- Oxygen -- An air temperature of between 40 degrees and 100 degrees F is necessary
to support mold growth.
- Darkness
Mold spores are microscopic and are not generally detected until the reproduce
in sufficient quantity to create a color or odor problem. It is reported that
well over 100,000 molds presently exist, with more being discovered.
Where does mold come from?
Health professionals concur that
mold spores are everywhere, especially outdoors. Landscaped areas, with various
plants, moist soil and mulch, are excellent breeding grounds for mold. It is
important to understand mold is a natural occurrence in nature and vitally important
for the decomposition and fertilization of soil. Mold usually doesn’t become
a concern until it finds its way inside.
How does mold get from the outside to the inside?
Mold spores may enter your house from the outside through open doorways, windows,
and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes.
Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making
your clothing, shoes, bags, and your pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold
indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is sufficient food and moisture,
they will grow.
Where does the moisture come from?
In many cases, moisture enters the structure
in the form of undetected leaks in the roof or plumbing. Moisture is also created
on interior surfaces in the form of condensation around HVAC ducts and dryer
vents. Condensation also occurs regularly in kitchens and bathrooms when hot
water encounters significantly cooler conditioned air. Moisture migration is
also found in the improper sealing of doors, gaps in window openings and flashings,
exterior surface irregularities, and the improper use/placement of vapor barriers
and thermal barriers.
Can mold grow without moisture?
No! All three of the basic
elements – moisture, food and oxygen -- MUST
be present to support mold growth. Food sources are plentiful. Typically, wood,
fabric, wallpaper, carpet padding paper-faced panels and other similar building
products contain sugars and starches, which can support mold growth. In any interior
structure, food sources to support mold growth are plentiful. Likewise,
it is impossible to eliminate the oxygen source. Today’s HVAC systems efficiently
keep air moving throughout the building envelope. Therefore moisture control
offers the easiest and best method to eliminate mold growth.
Do the paper facings on gypsum wallboard create a mold problem?
While
the paper wallboard facings do provide a source of food to support mold growth,
eliminating the paper facing is not a complete solution to eliminate the potential
for mold growth. If moisture is present, mold will still grow on the backside
of wallpaper, on the wood framing studs, under carpeting and in numerous other
places. The key to controlling mold is in controlling moisture. Remember – without
moisture, mold cannot grow.
So what are the benefits of the new generation of paperless gypsum
board products?
The real benefits of paperless gypsum board products
extend beyond the mold issue. In addition to moisture resistance, paperless
gypsum panels offer superior fire protection, along with increased strength and
durability, and sustainable performance in exterior sheathing applications.
What can be done to control potential mold problems?
There
are a number of preventive measures that can be undertaken to control mold growth. These
include:
- Inspect attics and crawl spaces regularly for signs of roof leaks and excessive
condensation around ducts and water pipes. Make any necessary repairs quickly.
- Keep humidity levels between 40% and 60%.
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid periods.
- Be sure your structure has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in
kitchens and bathrooms.
- Use mold inhibitors that can be added to paints.
- Clean bathroom and laundry rooms regularly with mold-killing products.
- Do not carpet bathrooms.
- Clean up liquid spills promptly and thoroughly dry
affected areas. Replace any flooded carpeting and padding.
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