There are many myths and fallacies associated with mold and mold contamination. At Bay Mold we do not believe in frightening our customers, nor do we wish to create a sense of panic or over-exaggeration regarding mold within a residence. Our philosophy is very simple and based in common sense. Mold has been a part of our environment since man began to live in shelter – hence since caves were our home. Mold resides wherever there is moisture and a natural food source on a porous substrate.

Mold Needs Moisture to Grow

Generally there is little chance of mold contamination without the presence of both water and a mold digestible substrate. Probably the biggest concern and the most hype has revolved around the dreaded black mold or toxic mold – scientifically known as stachybotrys and more affectionately known as “stachy.” This mold is classified as a toxin and most commonly found on wet or moist cellulose substrates such as sheetrock, cardboard, or paper. We very rarely find this mold in air samples until the growth substrate has dried and the mold spores have become disturbed, and thus airborne! In fact, we generally find this mold on sheetrock where there is the presence of an ongoing leak. If the substrate is still wet, the release of the mold into the air is less likely. This does not mean the mold is not an issue, it simply means that with the proper remediation or abatement the mold contamination can usually be contained and concentrated to the water damaged area.

Many of the more serious mold contamination issues we have encountered are a result of allergen mold contamination such as the presence of penicillium, aspergillus or cladosporium species molds. Each of these molds is classified as an allergen mold. Although we do not typically find penicillium or aspergillus species molds growing on construction substrates, they are often present in air samples when a home has serious water or moisture damage. Increased water or humidity results in higher levels of allergen airborne molds. Cladosporium species mold, a very common household mold, is more frequently found when condensation is present on windows and walls. We generally find this mold species present on the surface of the wall or on aluminum clad, single pane windows. Although the window and frame are not porous and therefore not generally a home for mold, the presence of condensation and surface dirt act as the water and food source for the mold. Replacement of windows that “sweat” can often alleviate this mold source.

Avoid Moisture and Condensation

Additionally walls that are not insulated often result in condensation and hence mold growth on the surface of the wall. Therefore it is strongly advised that furnishings or other personal belongings are not allowed to touch or be flush with the walls surface as natural fiber furnishings are a favorite food of mold. For example in a wall without insulation where a bed is flush with the wall, a cold wall surface combined with warm body heat from someone sleeping in the bed can create a moist environment where mold can thrive. Mold in a mattress is nearly impossible to remedy and most mold contaminated mattresses need to be destroyed!

It is important to remember that mold grows in conditions that are moist and dark. Therefore combating these conditions increases your chance of reducing mold contamination. To reduce condensation within the home there are many helpful hints that we provide to our customers including:

Use of forced air heat versus standalone systems that allow “cold” spots within the home.
Increased ventilation using whole house fans, running ceiling fans, and use of high-speed fans in bathrooms to ensure drying of shower/tub steam.
Opening windows slightly to create airflow and to allow ventilation and drying during colder weather, and opening windows and doors wide on warm sunny days.
Keep window coverings open during daylight hours to insure condensation is given an opportunity to dry – mold enjoys damp dark places.
There are very few cases where mold contamination is so extreme or extensive that there is not a basic means of remedy that can address the situation. In short, evacuation and/or demolition of the home are extreme measures. Most of the mold remediation projects we are involved in are generally resolved within a day or two.

Understanding the Results of your Inspection

One of the most frustrating issues we deal with in the mold industry is the interpretation of laboratory results. There are general standards within the mold industry and unfortunately they are not always relayed to the customer. Simply because the lab results indicate the presence of mold, does not mean a home is mold contaminated. In fact, a majority of our clients may have only minor mold contamination that require only simple remedies, while many fall within the standard guidelines and have mold levels that fall within the “normal” range. We have consulted on a number of cases where the client was informed that mold contamination existed when in fact we could not make the same conclusion. It is important when scheduling a mold inspection that the inspection service is “interviewed” regarding their process. A complete physical inspection is the most valuable aspect of the mold inspection. Simply testing for mold does not provide either a source of mold or an understanding of the mold issues within the home or residence.

At Bay Mold it is our goal to insure the client is well informed and understands not only the issues within their residence or business, but also the outcome of any mold testing. Interpretation of lab results in laymen’s terms is extremely important to the client’s understanding.

Finally, understanding mold contamination is not a perfect science, but it is also not “rocket” science. Understanding the source of water or moisture damage is key to resolution and remediation of the mold contamination. If the mold levels cannot be explained in simple terms then there is a problem that goes beyond mold contamination. In these instances “buyer beware.” As a customer, it is important to find a professional that will simplify your understanding and will not make their explanation too scientific or too complicated – keeping the client mystified can sometimes lead to a great deal of expense in mold remediation that isn’t always necessary!