Mold can be found anywhere indoors, but certain areas are more prone than others.  Excluding major plumbing breaks, here are some examples. 

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Images from the chexfiles

Noteworthy issues from the real world!

HVAC Systems

Photos 1-2: Growth on the evaporator coil.  Photo 1 depicts a very dirty coil, loaded with debris and fungal growth.  Photo 2 depicts slight growth on coil fins.

Photos 3-5: Growth on insulation in evaporator coil box.  

Photo 6: Internal drain pan of evaporator coil.  Because the unit is not properly sloped to drain, water stands in the drain pan and commonly supports bio-film amplification.

Photo 7: Growth on supply plenum.

Photos 8-9: Growth on supply diffusers. 

Photo 10: Growth in return air plenum under vertical air handler.

Building Envelope

Photo 1: Minor leaks around windows can result in gradual water penetration and mold growth.

Photo 2: The integrity of this window is in serious shape.

Photo 3: Moisture came in under the exterior wall of this property resulting in extensive mold growth on carpet backing.

Photo 4: Moisture migrated directly through the stone cladding on this home because no air space (drain plane) was installed during construction.

Interior Humidity & Condensation

Photo 1: Cold zones, likely due to lack of insulation in this older structure, allowed interior humidity to get excessive at the wall surface resulting in mold growth.

Photo 2: Excessive humidity in the bathroom of this property resulted in mold growth on the ceiling.

Systems & Fixtures

Photo 1: Damage to HVAC closets can occur in vertical systems when problems with evaporator coils occur, or when cold zones are present on adjacent wall surfaces.  

Photo 2: Cabinets under sinks are frequenly subjected to leaking plumbing systems.

Photo 3: Mold on tub/shower surrounds is generally a result of insufficient cleaning.  Removing mold's food source is the way to eliminate growth within the shower area.

Photo 4: Mold growth adjacent to shower stalls generally implies leakage of the pan and/or enclosure.

Photo 5: Washing machine connections that leak result in problems!