Mold is a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores. These spores are essentially everywhere there is dust and dirt. They can lay dormant for years, but when the conditions are right for mold to grow, the spores will come to life. The main limiting factor that prevents mold growth is a lack of water, so anything that creates moist places in your home can trigger mold growth. Common sources of excess water in homes include:
- Persistent humidity
- Condensation
- Poor ventilation
- Leaking pipes
- Leaking roof
- Flooding
- Damp basements
Mold depends so heavily on water that finding and dealing with the water source is typically the first step in any remediation process.