Causes of Mold: What Mold Needs to Grow

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth on planks

There are thousands of species of mold. All have several factors in common: what they need to grow. The chief requirements needed are:

• Moisture - different molds need varying amounts of moisture to grow. Some grow better with only high humidity and some require very wet materials for longer periods of time.
• Food Source - our homes, businesses, contents, etc. all are made with materials that are a food source for mold. Drywall, wood, cardboard, wallpaper and the paste that holds it to the surface. Even polyurethane coating on wood doors allows a surface for growth.
• Temperatures - you have probably noticed mold growing on unused food in your refrigerator. As cold as this is, some molds still grow. Various molds prefer widely different temperatures.
• Time - if materials in a building stay wet long enough, mold will surely grow. Many molds require as little as 2-3 days, some require several more days to become visible.