Excess water levels in the house that are caused by a burst pipe, flooding or a leaky roof always cause plenty of trouble. The situation may also compromise the integrity of the building structure and it may also ruin appliances and electronics, carpeting, furniture, clothing and other household items. Apart from the problems caused by water damage, there is another concern that involves mold growth which needs to be taken into account. Find out more about its growth process through the write-up below.
Mold Growth After Water Damage
Even if the extent of the water damage is not excessive, mold may still pose as a problem. This is because mold growth can easily take place as long as there is an accumulation of moisture indoors. Mold spores exist everywhere in the air and mold can start forming as long as the right conditions are present and these include sources of food and moisture. Even so, this problem is not something that cannot be prevented. All homeowners need to do is to get rid of excess moisture around the house before mold gets the opportunity to grow.
How Long Does Mold Growth Take?
Under ideal conditions where there are optimal levels of humidity and temperature, it takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for the fungus to germinate and grow. The spores begin to colonize typically in about 3 to 12 days and eventually become visible in roughly 18 to 21 days. This timeframe varies for the different conditions present in the home as well as the types of mold found in the affected areas. Nonetheless, as time passes, the chances of mold to grow increase and may eventually spread to other parts of the property.
How Fast Can Mold Spread?
Mold spreads in as little as just a few hours. A mold spore lands on an organic material that contains moisture and it penetrates into the porous surface to begin feeding off the organic substance. Within just hours, the toxic micro-organisms start spreading throughout the entire building, causing damage to more areas within each passing hour. The only way you can prevent this is to perform a dry out within the first 48 hours after you discover the water damage.
Preventing Mold Growth After Water Damage
If the flooded areas are thoroughly dried within 48 to 72 hours, there is very little chance of mold growth to happen. However, proper drying may be a tough feat to take on by yourself especially without proper equipment. The steps that are taken to completely dry the flooded areas are as follows:
- Extracting Excess Water – Opening the doors and windows to allow proper airflow is not sufficient to dry out the flooded areas. Extracting excess water requires professional equipment that a mold remediation company can provide.
- Dry Out – Again, this process requires professional equipment to successfully get rid of all excess moisture within the first 48 to 72 hours after the water damage happens. The experts have the technical expertise and specialized devices to locate hidden areas, safely remove standing water, and thoroughly dry your home.