What Does it Take to Grow Mold in Buildings?

Mold, for building owners it's one four letter word they seldom want to hear. Homes and buildings contaminated with mold and other biological contaminants can mean unhealthy conditions for occupants and a costly decrease in value for any infected properties. Many property owners faced with this challenge may wonder just how the mold got into the building from the start. To prevent and deal with mold we need to understand just how the microorganism grows.

Molds, or fungi, are microscopic organisms, which unlike plants that produce energy through photosynthesis; feed on organic materials to produce the energy they need to survive. This organic matter in buildings can come from normal interior dust and debris, paper on wallboard, wood studs and furniture, along with numerous other common building materials and components.Molds reproduce by creating spores that are released into the air and eventually deposit themselves onto surfaces. These same spores can be inhaled and cause illness in humans. Because these spores are airborne they can be deposited on building materials in the manufacturing process, during product transport or can enter buildings through vents, open doors and windows.

The final component needed for the mold spores to grow is water or elevated moisture levels. Since mold only needs 24 to 48 hours of moist conditions on most common building materials to begin to grow, it is imperative to prevent excessive moisture in the first place whenever possible. In the event of a moisture intrusion the area must be dried out completely as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.

Most indoor environments provide the ideal atmosphere for mold growth as soon as moisture enters the environment. The simple steps required to prevent many mold problems from developing pay great dividends compared to the health concerns, disruptions and financial implications that occur after the fact. Fortunately, there exist today proven, cost effective and proactive preventive treatments that provide guaranteed protection against mold growth. “Molds, like all living organisms, have specific environmental needs before they will grow,” stated Paul Cochrane, Director of Public Relations for Global Prevention Services®. “Preventing situations where mold can multiply and become an issue should be the goal of all property managers and building owners.”

Global Prevention Services® has been providing building owners and property managers with information and proven proactive and remedial solutions to the persistent problem of mold in homes and commercial buildings. To learn more about how Global Prevention Services® can help prevent or resolve your microbial issues please call 877.NoMold5, email info@NoMold.com or visit www.NoMold.com to learn more.