Why mold forms

It also requires an environment with a temperature it can survive. While mold cannot spread without these conditions, its spores may survive in a dormant state until conditions are suitable. Mold grows on materials it can digest and use to spread. Consequently, it may grow on any organic material.

Mold grows on and digests some synthetic materials like paints, adhesives, and textiles as well. Mold is unable to digest inorganic materials such as concrete, glass, and metal , but it can digest and grow on the dirt, dust, and organic residue that accumulates on them.

You are likely to see mold grow on the north side of your roof and siding. Since mold eats the materials it grows on, those materials end up damaged or degraded. Unchecked mold can cause cosmetic damage and staining, unpleasant odors, and even the structural degradation of the surfaces. Mold digests the carbon in the surface it is growing on. While doing this, it breaks down the material bit by bit. With over 25 years of experience in the industry of mold removal, we are proud to say we are one of the best in the business in Toronto and GTA.

Get in touch with Clean First for unrivaled experience, professionalism and mold removal expertise. After our loss and dealing with other contractors we were so scared, but you really showed us that there are still good contractors out there. Thanks again! You guys did a great job and thank you for all the extra drywall repairs your crew did Restoring your peace of mind what an understatement. I was so scared after having the home inspection and after calling other contractors. Your crew is fantastic and did a great job, you really have nice people Hi Luis, thank you again for your help on the mold removal, your crew were so helpful to us and did a fantastic job.

We forwarded all the information to the real estate agent and were able to sell the house. I will definitely recommend you and your services. Common Causes of Mold in Your Home Mold can grow just about anywhere but is most commonly found in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, cabinets, and near pipes or ducting areas. Ceiling mold is also highly common due to a lack of ventilation and accumulation of moisture.

Here are 10 of the most common causes of mold in your home: 1. Persistent Humidity If you live in an area where humidity is consistently high, you may have a problem with mold. Leaking Pipes in the Home This is one of the most common causes of mold behind drywall and in under-sink cupboards. A Leaking Roof A roof which is partially damaged due to wear and tear or severe weather conditions can quickly lead to mold build-up in your home.

A Build-Up of Condensation During the winter time, some homes may experience a build-up of condensation on cold surfaces due to the fluctuations in temperature. Poor Ventilation in Your Home As we mentioned before, a poorly ventilated home is a magnet for the growth of mold and the spreading of mold spores.

Window air conditioners, central air conditioning, and dehumidifiers in the dampest locations will help keep the air dry. Be sure your home has adequate ventilation. Use exhaust fans that vent outside from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. If building a new home or remodeling, consult with experts to ensure that new materials and technologies are implemented correctly to prevent moisture from building up.

Site any new construction to take advantage of air and light, encouraging prevailing summer breezes and discouraging prevailing winter breezes. If you detect the odor of mold or see evidence of mold or mildew in your home, there are several ways to approach the problem. First, a home inspector who has received training in mold can come to verify your suspicions.

In the last eight years, Mr. Provitola has conducted more than 3, mold assessments at the request of homeowners, buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and physicians whose clients suspect they are suffering from mold-related illnesses. A new company on the Island, XSpor Life Sciences, now offers a mold clean-up treatment that, according to Doug Gordon, principal, can last up to two years. XSpor, a Connecticut-based firm with licensees across the country, promises that its proprietary plant enzyme-based spray, administered by a trained employee, digests mold spores, eliminating mold both on surfaces, and inside wall cavities.

A carpenter by trade, Mr. Gordon has experienced mold issues firsthand. In fact, he says, he does not accept payment unless a homeowner is pleased with the outcome. Gordon explains. He says that the product is a formulation of enzymes scientifically engineered to kill mold.

Occupants must leave the house for at least a full day, Mr. Gordon says, and up to 48 hours is recommended. There is little residue after the treatment and a pleasant citrus scent remains. The company markets its service as a cutting-edge solution that ensures a mold-free environment without demolition of mold-infested areas or harsh chemicals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend routine sampling for molds. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it.

Simply cutting off the moldy part does not render the food safe to eat. Mold has the ability to penetrate deep into the food and not just fester on the surface. If you do spot mold on your food, it is best to inspect the entire serving and not just one spot.

In addition, if the food you are eating is part of a package of multiple servings, you should check all of them — mold can spread very quickly and infest an entire package of food.

Lauren Farrelly has been writing and producing for television since Different Kinds of Bread Mold. How to Test for Mold in Water. Uses of Aspergillus Niger. Mold Science Fair Project Ideas.