How can building materials like drywall be affected by mold?

Building materials such as drywall can be significantly affected by mold when it begins to grow on their surfaces or within their structure. When mold colonizes drywall, it can lead to a variety of issues, most notably weakening the material. As mold feeds on the organic components in drywall, it can degrade its structural integrity, making it more susceptible to damage. Additionally, mold growth causes discoloration, often manifesting as stains that can range in color from black to greenish or yellowish, depending on the type of mold present.

The impact of moisture is also crucial in this context. Drywall is particularly prone to mold growth because it is composed of gypsum, which is susceptible to moisture. When exposed to excessive moisture (perhaps from leaks or high humidity), drywall becomes an ideal environment for mold spores to settle and proliferate.

While repainting might address aesthetic concerns, it doesn't resolve the underlying issues of mold presence, and considering building materials to be unaffected by moisture is misleading, as moisture is a key driver of mold development. Thus, the correct choice clearly outlines the reality of mold's detrimental impact on drywall and similar materials.