In other areas, building managers may expect the contractor to determine the source of the problem. Regardless of the case, a contractor with little knowledge of mildew can considerably aggravate the problem. A contractor had sought to correct a mildew problem by cutting holes in the outside walls to ventilate the stud space, but the problem only got worse. That contractor knew that mildew is a symptom of a serious moisture problem, said Dr. Peart, but he apparently didn't know that the source of the problem in Florida is humid outside air - more of which entered through the holes. Controlling moisture, said Peart, is controlling mildew.
Moisture is one of the four elements needed for growth.
There are over 64,000 types of mold and mildew fungi, and 90 percent of them have airborne spores. When growth is prevalent, there can be several thousand spores in every cubic foot of air. Since the spores can't be eliminated, their growth must be curtailed. Heat is always available, since these fungi prefer roughly the same temperature range as do people. Food is always available, because molds and mildew can feed on any organic material, such as wood, cloth, paper, and other construction materials - even dirt.