Mold is a consistent problem when dealing with buildings exposed to a moisture problem. Not all materials in buildings are affected in the same way. Each type of material has a different composite that can react differently to the moisture levels. Certain materials are more likely to be affected by mold growth than others. One of the most common building materials in a structure is concrete.
Concrete is a little-understood material in accordance with mold growth. There are no elements in the properties of concrete that are suitable for mold to grow. However, moisture can penetrate through the concrete. Also, it takes a long period for the moisture to permeate through the concrete, which can go unnoticed for an extended period. However, once the concrete has allowed moisture in this can create a higher level of moisture throughout the area that concrete is exposed. However, most areas of a property are made of fibrous or wood-based materials that are primarily used in modern home construction.
Wood-based materials are high susceptible mold if there is a significant amount of moisture penetration in the area of concern. Sheetrock is highly susceptible to mold growth, because of the porous nature of the material. Plywood is another wood based product that can support mold growth, and the likelihood of mold growing on this material is caused by the moisture saturating the area and it not being thoroughly dried or removed. There are products out in the building marketplace known as engineered woods and despite the chemical makeup of the products these products can still have mold growth if the wood is saturated. Porous materials such as insulation in any mold remediation scenario must be removed to remediate the mold problem.
Insulation a primarily porous material that makes up the energy saving component of the home. If there is a moisture saturation incident where there is insulation it can no longer have it is energy saving abilities. Due to the porous nature of the fiberglass insulation the wood based materials behind the insulation are affected. The insulations natural ability to hold in energy is the cause of its need to be removed from the property in order to dry out the materials behind it.
Building materials are a perfect breeding ground for mold. They keep in moisture and are made up of the molds primary food source which are wood based products. Also, the enclosed spaces of a building can allow it to be contained to one particular area where it can thrive in a closed ecosystem. These mycotoxins need to be removed by a mold remediation company otherwise it can pose a potential safety hazard to the people who are using that space.
Jeff Cohn / SI Restoration / 888-980-6776
2 comments