Mold growth occurs when fungal spores encounter sufficient moisture and a suitable material on which to grow.
Common moisture sources include roof leaks, plumbing leaks, window leaks, condensation, elevated indoor humidity, flooding, poor ventilation, and water intrusion through foundations or exterior walls.
Drywall paper, wood, dust, carpet backing, and other organic materials can support mold growth when they remain damp.
Because mold spores naturally exist in indoor and outdoor environments, completely eliminating mold spores from a building is unrealistic. The key to controlling indoor mold growth is controlling moisture.
A professional mold investigation therefore focuses not only on identifying mold but also on determining why the affected area became wet.