What’s the Difference Between Mold Stains and Active Growth?

True, not all mold-looking spots are active infestations. But here’s the catch: if you can still see a stain, the mold is likely dormant – not dead. It may not be growing now, but under the right conditions it will reactivate and continue to spread.

When mold does not have the proper environment to thrive, it goes dormant. This might occur when an area lacks moisture, or maybe goes inactive in a colder season. Both types of mold still pose health issues, even when the spores are inactive and dry. Some argue that dry spores spread more easily, since they can travel further when knocked from the surface. 

Because a mold stain can “bloom” or become active when moisture is reintroduced, the way to prevent another infestation is to remove all affected materials. Best to replace building materials (wood, drywall) rather than leave room for error by assuming the issue is gone for good. As you rebuild, replace with mold-resistant paint, drywall, and insulation to help prevent reoccurrence.

Our team offers mold sample testing to help identify what specifically may be plaguing your home. If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, our team can inspect the site, run our tests, and recommend next steps. When in doubt, give us a call for peace of mind and clarity.