What Is Mold?

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Molds are a form of fungus. Different types of molds can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds spread through the production of spores which exist in all indoor environments everywhere. Spores are capable of surviving in harsh conditions that would otherwise prevent the normal mold growth. Molds grow best in moist, warm and humid environments. When mold spores land on a damp spot they begin to grow, digesting the material they grow on.

Common indoor molds include:

• 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 like drywall
• Cladosporium - capable of growing in cool places as well as warm ones
• 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 They can also have a velvety, fuzzy or rough appearance depending on the type of mold and where it is growing. No mold is good mold, so if you suspect you may have a mold problem call SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735.