Mold spores are naturally present in the air, and they will congregate and form into mold colonies when they find a place that provides them with water, nutrients, oxygen, and favorable temperatures. The biggest trigger of mold growth is water which makes it important to control the moisture level in your home and address instances of water damage immediately to prevent mold growth.
Mold colonies feed on nutrients that are found within materials such as wood, drywall, fabrics, paint, adhesives, insulation, and more. As the mold feeds on these materials, the growth will spread as the damage to the materials becomes worse. Affected materials will become permanently damaged over time and damage to structural elements like wood and drywall can lead to serious structural issues for your home. Mold colonies can also disperse their spores which can cause mold to appear in new areas.