How Mold Grows
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Mold needs four things in order to grow: water, food, suitable temperature and air. The requirements for these four things differ from one type of mold to another. For example some molds require more water than others.
Air is readily available everywhere, so that condition for mold growth is always met. But if those mold spores land somewhere dry, they can't grow because one of the growth conditions it needs is not available.
Most places in your home are probably too dry to grow mold, but some areas may not be. That's why indoor mold growth is usually found in basements and bathrooms and in other places after plumbing leaks and floods.
If mold finds moisture, but no dead organic matter to feed itself, it can't grow either. But, it's amazing what mold can find in your home to use for food (mold absorbs nutrients through microscopic threads). These are just a few:
- Drywall
- Paper
- Paint
- Fabric
- Dust on fiberglass insulation
- Wood framing and floors
- Even ceramic tile! (it actually uses something on tile's surface, like small bits of food and dust)
Mold isn't just unsightly. It can cause extensive damage to your home that is costly to repair. Even worse, mold damage can be so great it can compromise your home's structural integrity.
But obviously, the most important reason to get rid of any mold you see in your home is that mold has been associated with several types of health concerns.