We were asked to meet with a local environmental inspection firm to help evaluate an unfinished basement for mold growth. During the course of our inspection we encountered this beautiful growth appearing to grow from the foundation wall onto an adjoining floor joist.
Is This Mold?
Is it mold? I don’t think so! While all molds are fungi, not all fungi are mold. I believed this to be a fungal species known as Coniophora puteana which, while not mold, is a very destructive fungal species that is often referred to as “wet rot”. Fungi like this one have the capability of pulling moisture from one location and distributing it through the organism to areas where it is needed. What this means is that the moisture source can be found independently of the food source. Also, fungal species like this one grow deeply INTO the wood as opposed to mold growth which is generally limited to the surface.
Swab Test Results
Of course, we can’t know for sure without testing, so, having made my prediction of “No, this is not mold,” I collected a swab sample of the material and forwarded it off to the lab.
Sure enough, the substance was NOT mold. There was some Cladosporium present which is a brownish/black mold which happens to be the most predominant type of mold in the world, but the fact that it is Rare (which that large white mass is certainly not!) and few mycelial present indicates that this mold likely was on the surface UNDER the fungal growth. That’s right, the white rot fungus was likely eating the mold growth that had been present prior to its growth.
Not everything that looks like mold is. This certainly points to a significant moisture problem that requires correction and there is likely mold growth in other areas, but this particular growth was not mold.
- Our Prediction: No, this is not mold
- Test Results: No, this is not mold; however, some mold is present
