There have been a number of posts lately about mold. Home inspectors see mold all the time, in varying degrees. Sometimes it is widespread but usually it is in a localized area and it does not take an Einstein to determine the cause. And, one thing is certain, mold is ALWAYS, in every situation, the result of excess moisture. This can be plain old wet, damp or the result of elevated humidity. Mold will not grow in dry environments. Eliminating leaks and monitoring relative humidity levels in the home, are key factors in keeping mold at bay. If you want to grow mold, just do some of the things I describe below.
Sometimes mold is the result of hidden problems, like leaks into roofs or walls. Mold in those situations might not be readily apparent, or at least it would require someone going into attic areas or crawl spaces to investigate. That said, I find that, more often than not, mold or conditions conducive to mold are evident. Examples are below.
The first photo, top left, is a classic example of mold the result of an ongoing leak: lousy plumbing repairs. Anybody who saw the condition of the P-trap and knew anything at all about mold, or rot for that matter, would have gotten this leak taken care of immediately. The homeowners did not and mold is the result. The repair now involves removing sheetrock and snooping around a bit to see how much needs to be removed and whether or not that mold extends into some of the wood behind it -- less likely. This sheetrock was soft, like a sponge. In fact, sheetrock works like a sponge when it is in contact with water and is highly prone to mold and fungal issues.
The photo, top right, did not have mold yet, but gauging by the quality of the repair and the big drip hanging there off the trap, that will follow before long. This is a conducive condition and now is the time to have someone qualified, with less affinity toward duct tape as a miracle cure, fix the drain.
The lower photo is a beaut: A wonderful crop of fungus/mold the result of an individual, wisely so as mold is good, ignoring a longterm roof leak. The healthy crop extended from the kitchen, over cupboards and into other rooms such as the laundry and bedroom areas. If you want to grow some mold, I hope you find these tips interesting.
Steven L. Smith
www.kingofthehouse.com
http://activerain.com/kingofthehouse
Bellingham WA home inspector
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Steve, you gotta read the label----get the mold proof duct tape---not the one that says "mold resistant" either:)