Water damage is always a source of headache for most homeowners especially when mold problems start to be an issue. Not being able to prevent mold growth could make matters worse. It produces spores that can be mixed in the air and creates a musty smell that can spread in your home.
Be it from flooding, a burst pipe, or any type of water leak, it is always a potential property and health hazard. But whatever the source is, knowing the rate of how mold develops will surely help you to act quickly.
So how long does it take for mold to grow? Read the full article to find out!
How to Prevent Mold Growth After Water Damage
Mold can begin to form even with minor water damage. Any extra moisture in a particular part of your house is sufficient for creating the ideal environment for mold growth. With access to organic materials, mold can rapidly grow in various locations. In just a few days, you can find yourself facing a major problem.
Nevertheless, there are several various ways in which we can prevent mold growth. First and foremost, get rid of the moisture source before the fungus has time to develop and start growing. Also, seek professional help from a trusted water damage restoration company to ease your burden from water and mold damage issues.
How long does it take for mold to grow?
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Mold Can Grow and Spread Fast
An ideal condition for any type of mold to germinate and grow is the presence of excess moisture and the organic materials to feed on. In as little as a few hours, mold can spread easily.
If part of your home is exposed to water and infected, mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. Then, the mold spores will start to colonize in 3 to 12 days. After that, they will start to appear and become visible after 18 to 21 days.
The longer you wait, the higher the chance for mold spores to spread into the air easily and affect other areas each hour. It’s more likely that you’ll face the potential danger of damaging your home’s entire structure and your health as well.
It is crucial to understand how long it takes for mold to grow and how quickly it can damage household items. This knowledge enables you to take immediate action and prevent mold growth. Additionally, the most effective approach to completely stop and prevent mold growth, especially after water damage, is to seek professional water damage restoration services. It is important to contact them within the initial 48 hours of the damage.
Mold Growth Prevention After Water Damage
The key to inhibiting home mold to grow is getting rid of moisture in your home within the estimated time frame of mold growth. You will also need to hire a professional to eliminate mold even in the hidden areas of your home. Here’s what you can do to prevent mold growth on your property.
1. Removing Excess Water/Moisture to Prevent Mold Growth
Remove all the visible moisture you can by doing the following possible methods:
- Use buckets to get rid of large puddles of water.
- Soak up water by using towels/absorbent cloths.
- Push the water out by using a broom.
2. Dry Affected and Surrounding Areas to Prevent Mold Growth
It’s important to remove any amount of moisture not only on visible areas but hidden areas as well. Since mold can and will still grow. You can use fans to keep the air dry and moving and dehumidifiers to quickly dry and get rid of moisture as well. In addition, space heaters are also useful to dry and heat up carpets, drywall, and furniture.
3. Disinfect the area to Prevent Mold Growth
Regularly check the areas prone to mold growth (such as the bathroom, laundry, kitchen sink, etc) for musty odors and disinfect often with a bleach solution, vinegar, or a commercial disinfectant.
Contact Superior Restoration Today!
Remember that mold can cause several health problems, thus taking immediate actions is necessary. When your home is affected by mold growth, particularly after water exposure, reach out to professional mold remediation/mold removal services to bring your home back to a safe and clean shape. We use advanced methods and tools for mold inspection and to stop mold growth from spreading.
Get in touch with us, Superior Restoration Riverside, right away, and our team will be available around the clock to provide assistance and support. We, at Water Damage Riverside, are here to address all your water damage and mold concerns.
