Mold on Building Materials

There are many different types of building materials mold can grow on. Learn how to detect mold on different types of building materials.

Common Building Materials Mold Grows

1. Mold inside Walls Hidden mold inside walls is the result of one thing: Water. Above are a few of the causes of mold growth inside your walls but why exactly do these leak issues lead to mold?

2. Mold on Plaster is a lime based material that mold does not typically does not use as a food source. Mold can grow on the surface of the wall only

3. Mold on Baseboards can be made of all different types of building materials although they are typically wood. While baseboards itself can produce mold growth it’s behind the baseboards that can be a problem as moisture can get trapped between the baseboard and the wall. Once moisture gets behind the baseboard it will not dryout as easy.

4. Mold on Ductwork Mold growing inside the ductwork can certainly be a problem while mold on the outside of ductwork is not as concerning.

5. Mold on Windows are typically glass with a metal or wood frame. Wood frames can rot and produce mold however any mold growth on the glass or metal will be superficial only as neither material is porous.

6. Mold on Floors Having mold on floors can be an eye sore but it can also be potentially dangerous. Depending on the material the floor is made of, certain types of mold can grow that can cause mycotoxins. Learn how to deal with it.

7. Mold on Drywall in the most common type of building material that mold can grow on. The paper product is extremely porous and can easily support Stachybotrys (what people refer to as the black mold)

8. Mold in Basements is a prevalent issue, primarily because basements tend to have high levels of humidity and moisture. This environment provides the ideal conditions for mold growth and is further exacerbated by leaking components such as plumbing lines, sump pumps, and furnaces.

9. Mold on Attic Insulation Mold can grow on attic insulation if it’s been wet. While insulation is not typically organic material it may be laid on paper products that can produce black mold.