Water damage needs immediate attention if you’ve had a leaky roof, a burst pipe, or an unfortunate flooding event. One of the worries for homeowners is how fast mold starts growing in the advent of water damage. We’re here to tell you it starts much faster than ever imagined. Let’s get into how quickly mold starts growing in your home after water damage. Learn what to watch for and why speed is of the essence in removing it from your home and restoring your property.
How Fast Does Mold Grow After Water Damage?
How Fast Does Pathogenic Mold Grow?
Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can start growing on a wet surface area inside your home. Mold spores are always in the air, waiting for the right conditions that let them settle down and start multiplying. Water damage provides a base environment for mold to grow quickly.
Think of it this way: the minute water infiltrates your house, the clock starts ticking. Mold spores begin attaching themselves to wet surfaces like:
- Drywall
- Wood
- Carpet
- Dust particles
With the right environmental factors, moisture, warmth, and organic material, mold has the ideal breeding ground to grow rapidly.
Conditions That Favor the Growth of Mold
Mold grows best in conditions with high humidity and warmth and plenty of organic food material. Water damage fulfills those demands in the perfect combination. It gives spores all the sustenance they need for mold to thrive and multiply.
Damp places with little air flow will eventually become completely infested with mold. Mildew and mold problems may also be tricky to spot. An affected area may be out of view in places like under flooring or behind a wall, where the air doesn’t circulate well.
How to Recognize the Signs of Mold Growth
After your property sustains water damage, it’s essential to be aware of any signs indicating mold infestation and growth.
Musty Smell
An earthy, musty smell is the first sign of mold infestation. However, the mold is already growing if you’re smelling musty air. This is true even if you haven’t noticed visible mold or mildew yet.
Discoloration
The second red flag is discoloration on your walls, ceilings, or floors. Mold can be present in the form of spots in black, green, or white colors. It usually warps or rots materials.
Health Issues
These are not the only symptoms of mold infestation. Health issues and unexplained allergic reactions, including the following could also indicate mold growth in a home or business:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Skin irritation
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
If you don’t get treatment for mold exposure and remove yourself from its presence, it leads to mold toxicity. Some species of mold, like deadly black mold, can make you very ill.
Taking Action to Prevent Mold Growth
Early water damage detection can save you from mold. First, dry the area as fast as possible using fans and dehumidifiers. Open windows for air circulation to reduce moisture. Be sure the area is completely dried.
Remove water-soaked materials like carpets, rugs, and furniture, if you can’t dry them – then they have to go. Keeping them around if there’s a risk of mold infestation just isn’t worth the risk.
Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover water-damaged property. Check your policy for details regarding prospective water damage claims and what the policy covers.
The next key step is cleaning and disinfecting the area. Scrub surfaces using water and detergent to rid potential mold spores. Monitor the area during the next few days and weeks. Even after initial cleaning, mold can still develop.
The more watchful you are, the less likely you’ll have problems that get out of control.
How Important It Is to Hire Professionals as Water Damage Restorers
In the event of minimal water damage, mold prevention can be DIY. There’s not too much hassle with replacing a carpet or a piece of drywall. But, for those incidents that require massive restoration, call on the assistance of a professional water damage cleanup contractor.
The experts have the knowledge, experience, and machinery to:
- Dry out your house
- Inspect the extent of the damage
- Trace the source
- Mold Removal
- Mold Remediation
- Advise on avoiding such incidences in the future
You’ll protect your home and the health of your family when you invest in professional restoration and cleanup services. Be proactive and keep your home healthy and happy!
Denver Clean-up & Restoration Services
With over 150 years of combined experience, the Colorado Cleanup Services, Inc. team has the knowledge, skill, and commitment necessary to handle any emergency cleanup services you may require. From flood and fire damage restoration to sewage backup, and coronavirus cleanup services in Denver, CO, you can always turn to us when you need deep, disinfecting cleaning for your home or business.
Family-owned and operated, our cleaning company is proud to provide the services of trained and certified technicians to all our clients. Our impressive team knows what it takes to return damaged properties to their original condition with the highest level of professionalism. Don’t settle for anything less when you require high-quality disaster recovery services. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it give us a call: 303-237-4406.
