Mold FAQ
Questions and Answers about Mold
How does mold grow?
Mold needs three things to grow:
- Moisture (high sustained relative humidity above 55% or water intrusion)
- Nutrient/Food Source (drywall, furniture, etc.)
- Right Temperature (40°F - 100°F)
Where does mold come from?
Mold spores commonly exist everywhere. They can travel from outdoors to indoors on people, pets, and air currents. If the factors needed for mold growth (moisture, nutrients, and temperature) are present, existing inactive mold spores can then begin to grow.
What are some signs that I might have mold growing
Some species of mold produce a musty or foul smell which is the off-gassing of mycotoxins. Some mold can be visible to an untrained eye, while in other times a trained professional is needed to locate the mold. Allergy symptoms that go away when out of your environment can be another sign of an indoor air quality problem, possibly resulting from mold.
What should I do when I see mold indoors?
If mold is growing on the building materials or the contents of your home, you should call a state licensed Mold Assessor.
What can I do to clean mold?
A common misconception is to use bleach to kill mold. The active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypo chlorite. It will turn mold clear but cannot penetrate the cellular wall of the mold spore and therefore cannot kill the mold. Usually after treating mold with bleach which adds additional moisture, the mold will return worse than before. To effectively kill mold an antimicrobial is needed. At ESG, we use eco-friendly products so we are not adding harsh chemicals to your indoor environment.
What color is mold?
Mold can be an assortment of colors including, but not limited to: black, brown, white, green, pink, and orange.
Will my insurance cover mold?
Every claim is different, but most policies include some coverage for mold remediation and water damage services.
Can I just remove the mold contaminated building materials myself?
If mold is disturbed, just like any other spore, it can travel and begin growing on other materials. This is called cross-contamination. A state licensed Mold Assessor knows the industry protocol to avoid this.
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