Common Types of Mold in Buildings

A little knowledge can go a long way, and this is certainly true of indoor mold contamination.  Being aware of the different types of mold that are likely to manifest inside a home or office can make the process of removing that contamination that much easier.  Often, people who are ignorant of the types of molds that afflict a building interior tend only to make mention of the molds that are readily visible, and conversely, fail to report the molds that lurk beneath and behind the surfaces.  To avoid this situation, it would be prudent to be better informed about the mold species that have proliferated houses and workplaces over the last 20 or so years, so that at least one would have a better idea of what to expect.

The Aspergillus mold species are perhaps the most prevalent that you can find on indoor building surfaces.  They are typically detected on girders and beams, in damp basement areas, and crawl spaces, which are likely to accumulate moisture.  They also grow in cabinets, kitchens and bathroom areas, and even on books and cardboard boxes.  Aspergillus is perhaps the mold most widely adapted to grow on almost any type of indoor surface, which is a concern, because of links between this mold and the emergence of respiratory disease.  Penicillium is another mold type that is quite common in households, appearing in many of the surfaces and materials that are also afflicted by Aspergillus. 

The monstrous Stachybotrys or “black mold” species, infamous for its connection with toxic mold poisoning, is commonly found in areas that have been exposed to moisture or high humidity, such as on drywall.  It also manifests in air ducts, ventilation shafts, and wooden furniture and upholstery.  You may also encounter Stachybotrys behind wallpaper, where it may grow unnoticed, releasing spores into the atmosphere.

Cladosporium is a mold that grows on porcelain, roof sheathing, paper, pine boards and attic surfaces.  It has also been found in metal, plastic and fibreglass ducts, as well as on appliances.  While the indoor areas are more the province of Aspergillus and Penicillium, Cladosporium is the king of the outdoors, particularly on wide exterior surfaces.  There are various other less common types of molds that show up indoors and around buildings, such as Stemonitis and Taeoniella, but it is the first four that are frequently encountered by mold remediators and building inhabitants. 

These molds are more likely to thrive depending on prevailing circumstances in these areas or surfaces.  For instance, air ducts are more susceptible when they have been damaged by flooding, or if there are leaks that combine with organic building dust to create ideal mold growth conditions.  For surfaces, the type of paint used and the composition of the material or fabric are important factors in influencing or discouraging mold growth.  Mold may also grow depending on the amount of food debris or animal dander that may be scattered about due to neglect with regular housecleaning.  Do not forget that molds enjoy dark, concealed spots, so the insides and undersides of furniture are good places to look for them.

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