Molds are organisms that are found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in our ecological system by breaking down and digesting organic material. Molds are neither plants nor animals. They are part of the kingdom Fungi.
Yeast, mold, mildew and mushrooms are common forms of fungi. Mold is essentially a description of fungi that grows on surfaces, such as the black substance on a moldy shower wall. Mold and mildew often refer to the same type of fungi. All mold is fungi, but not all fungi is mold.
Although molds grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye when mold colonies grow. A mold colony does not comprise discrete organisms, but an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. Nutrients and in some cases organelles may be transported throughout the mycelium. In artificial environments like buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces.
Although the issue of whether exposure to indoor fungi causes adverse health effects is controversial, there is no doubt that a seriously mold-contaminated building can suffer structural damage, and that a foul-smelling, fungus-filled building is aesthetically unpleasing. Controversies about health effects aside, the latter two reasons are sufficient to merit a Complete Mold Inspection and remediation when an environment is found to have fungal contamination.
Fungi grow well in moist, dark areas, but can be found wherever organic material is available. Molds can grow on a variety of surfaces, including paint, jet fuel, wallpaper, glass and stainless steel. Moisture is necessary for mold growth. Moisture may come from the air and from the material upon which mold grows. If the environment becomes very dry, fungi can survive by going dormant or by producing spores that resist drying out. Most of the mold body is the hyphae that is buried in the food material and is out of sight. What is visible is the part of the mold body that produces spores.
Drywall, also known as gypsum board or gypsum wallboard, may be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. Otherwise, removal is necessary. The wall cavity is the most difficult area to dry, and it should be ventilated if the drywall is left to dry in place. (Drywall is not made out of boards of wood; traditionally, drywall is made of the mineral gypsum with a layer of heavy paper on the outside and inside. Commercial gypsum boards and drywall are also available with a variety of outside layers and coatings.
To dry carpet and backing within 48 hours, remove water with a wet vacuum, pull the carpet and pad off the floor, and dry them using a fan to blow air over them. A dehumidifier can be used to reduce the humidity in the room where the carpet and backing are drying, while fans can be used to accelerate the drying process. Water can be removed from concrete or cinder block surfaces with a water-extraction vacuum. Dehumidifiers, fans and heaters can also be used to accelerate the drying process. Hard surface flooring (such as linoleum, vinyl and ceramic tile) should be vacuumed or damp-wiped with a mild detergent, and allowed to air-dry. They should be scrubbed clean, if necessary. If the under-flooring is wet, it should be dried using a vacuum or by exposing it to the air.
A professional home inspector will look for mould (mold) using his eyes and nose. The most important equipment to use during an examination for mold growth in a building are your own eyes and nose. A visual examination of the building is required because sampling alone is almost useless. The Barrie Home Inspector will use a moisture meter to find wet areas. Wherever there is moisture, dampness or wetness, there may be mold growing. Some areas of the greatest potential for microbial growth include ground water intrusion, roof leaks, condensation and plumbing leaks. Mold can grow instantly. It does not take 24 or 48 hours, or a few days to grow.
Yeast, mold, mildew and mushrooms are common forms of fungi. Mold is essentially a description of fungi that grows on surfaces, such as the black substance on a moldy shower wall. Mold and mildew often refer to the same type of fungi. All mold is fungi, but not all fungi is mold.
Although molds grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye when mold colonies grow. A mold colony does not comprise discrete organisms, but an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. Nutrients and in some cases organelles may be transported throughout the mycelium. In artificial environments like buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces.
Although the issue of whether exposure to indoor fungi causes adverse health effects is controversial, there is no doubt that a seriously mold-contaminated building can suffer structural damage, and that a foul-smelling, fungus-filled building is aesthetically unpleasing. Controversies about health effects aside, the latter two reasons are sufficient to merit a Complete Mold Inspection and remediation when an environment is found to have fungal contamination.
Fungi grow well in moist, dark areas, but can be found wherever organic material is available. Molds can grow on a variety of surfaces, including paint, jet fuel, wallpaper, glass and stainless steel. Moisture is necessary for mold growth. Moisture may come from the air and from the material upon which mold grows. If the environment becomes very dry, fungi can survive by going dormant or by producing spores that resist drying out. Most of the mold body is the hyphae that is buried in the food material and is out of sight. What is visible is the part of the mold body that produces spores.
Drywall, also known as gypsum board or gypsum wallboard, may be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. Otherwise, removal is necessary. The wall cavity is the most difficult area to dry, and it should be ventilated if the drywall is left to dry in place. (Drywall is not made out of boards of wood; traditionally, drywall is made of the mineral gypsum with a layer of heavy paper on the outside and inside. Commercial gypsum boards and drywall are also available with a variety of outside layers and coatings.
To dry carpet and backing within 48 hours, remove water with a wet vacuum, pull the carpet and pad off the floor, and dry them using a fan to blow air over them. A dehumidifier can be used to reduce the humidity in the room where the carpet and backing are drying, while fans can be used to accelerate the drying process. Water can be removed from concrete or cinder block surfaces with a water-extraction vacuum. Dehumidifiers, fans and heaters can also be used to accelerate the drying process. Hard surface flooring (such as linoleum, vinyl and ceramic tile) should be vacuumed or damp-wiped with a mild detergent, and allowed to air-dry. They should be scrubbed clean, if necessary. If the under-flooring is wet, it should be dried using a vacuum or by exposing it to the air.
A professional home inspector will look for mould (mold) using his eyes and nose. The most important equipment to use during an examination for mold growth in a building are your own eyes and nose. A visual examination of the building is required because sampling alone is almost useless. The Barrie Home Inspector will use a moisture meter to find wet areas. Wherever there is moisture, dampness or wetness, there may be mold growing. Some areas of the greatest potential for microbial growth include ground water intrusion, roof leaks, condensation and plumbing leaks. Mold can grow instantly. It does not take 24 or 48 hours, or a few days to grow.
About the Author:
Learn more about The Commercial Building Inspector. Stop by Roger Frost's site where you can find out all about The Barrie WETT Inspector and what he can do for you when your purchasing your next real estate property.
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