Does Mold/mildew Grow On Aluminum?

[Jan DeGiorgio]

Haven't given this much thought before but I just looked at a home with old aluminum slider windows and noticed a brownish/orangeish substance that looked like mildew. It could have been the results of corrosion but, to my knowledge, corrosion on aluminum is black not orange.

Did a little research and could find no indication that mold/mildew can grow on metal.

Since I don't want to use the "M" word unless I'm reasonably confident I know what I'm talking about input will be gratefully accepted.

 

[Jeff Horton]

If the Aluminum is painted then it would be growing on paint or dirt on the aluminum. But if it was raw aluminum I don't know.

My suggest is just state what you saw. (Just like you did in your post). Then say you don't know what it was. Include a photo if you have one.

 

[Tom Barclay]

Yes, it will grow on aluminum. Mold and mildew will grow anywhere there is a source of moisture.

 

[Mark K]

I just came from a house where the inside of the aluminum frame windows was covered with black mildew/mold. This was unpained aluminum. There was also mildew/mold growing on the ceiling of the bedroom, but thats another story.

I think it will grow anywhere there is a fairly consistent source of moisture, in this case it was condensation from a warm house and cold window frame.

War story: I was in a repo not long ago where EVERYTHING in the home, kitchen counter tops, appliances, water heater, etc. had mold growing on it. The walls looked like flocked wallpaper. It had been repo'd, the power shut off, the basement filled up with water, and it was late summer/early fall, nice and warm. Market value before was about $100,000. It sold for $25,000.

 

[Farm Gal]

Raw (nonanodized) aluminum can be thoroughly cleaned and WAXED which will preclude MOST mold growth... but in order for this to work real effectively you gotta kill the mold spores (seed for future growth) which lies in the surface ~~ particularly on brushed aluminum....

Ditto the "tell em what you saw" interms of decribing it Color, location and what you ASSume and *think* it ISN'T (hint: toxic) I'd reccomend use of a few EA's to CYA.

Could be old paint, could be mold could be used babyfood. ain't your job to make the call!

 

[wyecoyote]

Mold can grow pretty much anywhere. Mold is one of the most hearty types of life forms.

 

[Jan DeGiorgio]

Thanks to all.

As always, learned a lot.

 

[Verne Hebert]

Lee Ann-

You are killin' me today.

Martha Stewart, Inc. is looking for a new CEO....and I think there is an opportunity for you.

 

[Restrain]

Exterior aluminum siding with mold/mildew can be cleaned using a mixture of TSP (a strong cleaner), Spic 'n Span, and simple bleach. It is not a health hazard.

Mold is a health hazard in a closed-in space. There is mold outdoors in every breath we take. It's a normal environmental item.

Roger

 

[Jan DeGiorgio]

Roger,

Thanks. I guess I didn't make it clear I was talking about the interior frame.