You may be asking yourself what is mold and where does it come from. We at ServiceMaster Restoration by the Griffin Company would like to share some information that may be helpful in understanding Mold.

Molds are a form of fungus. There are many different molds and they can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds spread through the production of spores, which are present in all indoor environments and cannot be removed from them – spores are capable of surviving in harsh conditions that otherwise prevent the normal mold growth.

Molds grow best in moist, warm and humid environments – easily created in the home during the winter. When mold spores land on a damp spot they can begin to grow, digesting the material they are growing on as they do so. Molds are capable of growing on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper and wood.

There are several different common indoor molds

• Alternaria – found in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks
• Aspergillus – often found indoors growing on dust, powdery food items and building materials, such as drywall
• Cladosporium – capable of growing in cool areas as well as warm ones. It is typically found on fabrics and wood surfaces
• Penicillium – typically found on materials that have been damaged by water and often has a blue or green appearance.

Molds take a variety of forms and textures, appearing as white, black, yellow, blue or green and often looking like a discoloration or stain to a surface.

Mold spores, invisible to the naked eye, can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Spores make their way into the home either through the air or after attaching to objects or people. Open windows, doorways and ventilation systems are all gateways through which spores can enter. Clothing, shoes and pets can all facilitate the arrival of mold within the home.

Mold will only grow if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing – places with excessive moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If this does not happen, molds do not normally cause any problem at all.

Mold can often be found in areas where leakages and flooding have occurred and near windows where condensation builds up. Wet cellulose materials are most supportive of mold growth, including paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products. Wallpaper, insulation materials and upholstery are other typical launchpads for mold growth. These Mold growths are usually noticeable – it is usually visible and often produces a musty odor.

We at ServiceMaster Restoration by the Griffin Company hope this information was helpful. Whenever a water leak or damage occurs, we are here 24 hours a day to help clean up the problem and help safeguard against a potential mold problem. Please visit our website at www.servicemasternow.com to learn more about us and what we do. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County Alabama areas as well as Pensacola Florida.