You just noticed you have a leak—and rightly so, you’re worried about mold. But just how fast does mold grow, exactly? Is it something you should handle right away? Or do you have some wiggle room to take the right steps?
More importantly, you might be wondering if you need mold remediation services? Better yet, what is mold remediation? We know you have questions and we’re here to help!
Below, we’re covering how fast mold grows and just how important it is to get it treated!
What Causes Mold to Grow?
The simple answer: moisture and food.
You might be thinking, “well my garage is flooded but there’s no food in there! Why do I have mold?”
As it turns out, mold loves a compound (cellulose) that’s commonly found in building materials like wood and some types of insulation. Once you add excessive moisture to the equation: BLOOM! Mold starts growing everywhere!
What Makes Mold Grow Faster?
A lot of factors can encourage (or discourage) mold growth, but it still comes down to moisture and a food source. The more you have of both, the faster mold will grow.
Does Mold Always Grow After a Leak?
Generally speaking, mold will grow after a big spill just about every time if the area isn’t treated quickly. This is why it’s so important to repair water damage!
How Fast Does Mold Grow After Water Damage?
Most mold does grow fast, usually within 24–48 hours after water damage. For this very reason, if you need water damage restoration for a house you should act quickly!
How Fast Does Black Mold Spread?
Black mold tends to get the most attention but it’s hardly the only type of mold that’s harmful. Like most other types, black mold will grow and spread within 24–48 hours of water damage.
Does Mold Cause Damage?
You bet it does. In terms of health, the dangers of mold can be pretty dangerous!
That said, mold can also damage your home! Mold literally eats wood and other building materials that contain cellulose. If left untreated long enough, mold can damage the structural integrity of your home or property!
Can I Stop Mold From Growing?
The best thing you can do to stop mold from growing is to prevent it in the first place! Of course, no one plans for leaks or broken pipes.
If you have water damage, you should turn off your water, drain any standing water (if possible), and dehumidify your home. This FEMA mold brochure offers great tips and info for smaller instances, but it also brings up a good point: if you have a mold problem, your best choice is to call professionals for mold remediation.
If you’re wondering what mold remediation is, it uses specialized equipment and chemicals to permanently remove a mold infestation (check out this article if you’re curious about the difference between mold remediation vs. mold removal).
How Do I Clean Mold? (Better Yet: Should I Clean Mold?)
Unless we’re talking about a tiny amount of mold, it’s really best to leave mold cleanup to the professionals.
A good water damage restoration service typically offers mold remediation too. They’ll not only have the right equipment for the job but the expertise as well. Trying to clean up mold on your own is likely to cause more harm than good because A) mold is actually pretty hard to kill, and B) you may end up only spreading the infestation!
Need Help With Mold in Orange County? Call All-Water Restoration!
All-Water Restoration offers both emergency water extraction and mold remediation services.
To learn more about mold remediation in Orange County, check out our contact page or give us a fall for a free phone consultation!
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