MOLD GROW

Mold needs three things to grow: Food Source, Temperature, and most importantly Moisture. Mold eats only organic material as they primarily degrade cellulose. In homes and offices there are plenty of organic materials used in construction which contain cellulose, such as drywall, wood, and even carpet with organic fibers. Mold will not eat synthetic materials but it will dine on organic debris that land on these synthetics such as dead skin, dust, or oils. (Think back to the mold that builds up in your shower when not cleaned regularly.) They can thrive in cool and warm climates but most prefer temperatures ranging from roughly 50 degrees F to 80 degrees F making our indoor environments an excellent place to live. The only ingredient for mold growth that is not ever-present in our dwellings is MOISTURE. Moisture is the key to mold growth and enters our dwellings in a variety of ways. Leaky roofs, high humidity, wet basements, plumbing leaks, improperly sealed windows or doors are just some of the ways water infiltrates a structure and allows mold to grow.