How Long Does It Take for Mold Development from Water Damage?

logo by Editorial Staff | Posted on February 3rd, 2023

Mold infestation can result from water damage brought on by leaks, flooding, or high humidity, which can also undermine the structural integrity of your house. Following water damage, mold could spread fast, complicating the rehabilitation process.


Mold can quickly expand after water damage within 24-48 hours. It could grow quickly in just 12 days, given the ideal circumstances to flourish. Different variables affect how quickly mold spreads after water damage.

Mold and moisture buildup on wall of a modern house

Factors that contribute to mold growth

The time the water has been there

Mold can develop in your house after a water damage incident, mostly dependent on the duration the contaminated water was left to collect in one place. There are greater odds of rapid mold growth forming in that location if the water has been sitting there for longer than a few days.

If you act quickly and appropriately, you might be able to prevent the spread of mold in your house.

The temperature of your home

The temperature of your home is another important element that affects mold growth. If your house is constantly heated, mold development is more likely. Higher temperatures create the ideal environment for mold to regenerate swiftly.

Cooling your home will greatly slow mold growth and improve your chances of treating the issue when it is still relatively minor.

The ventilation in your home

Maintaining an airy, dry environment in your house will slow the process and reduce the possibility of mold formation there.

The availability of organic surfaces

Mold spores favor organic surfaces because they can feed on them. When they attach to an organic surface, such as wall paint, they quickly disseminate throughout the space. Therefore, numerous organic surfaces in your house will accelerate mold growth.

Types of mold

  • Black: One of the most dangerous molds in your house is black mold. They create mycotoxins, which are extremely harmful to your health. It has to be expertly removed right away.
  • White: White mold is most frequently seen in basements and other colder, moister areas of your house.
  • Blue: Blue is typically found in your home’s most humid spaces—for instance, the bathroom’s walls or ceiling.
  • Green: It resembles blue very closely and is found in your home’s dampest sections. It manifests itself in the walls’ wettest corners.

Health risks of mold

You could be exposed to these hazards by mold development:

  • Hives or rashes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Respiratory difficulties
  • Throat or nose irritation
  • Dry coughs
  • Red, watery, or burning eyes

Excessive or prolonged exposure to mold can also cause nervous system issues, manifesting as headaches, mood swings, and memory loss.

People who already have respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of mold on their health.

How to prevent mold from growing?

Proper drying could be challenging. On its path to the lowest level in the home, water can penetrate various materials and spread through ceilings, under floors, and into walls.

The capacity to prevent mold from developing in your home hinges a lot on your home having a moisture content that is less than 50% of the air.

Think about putting a moisture meter in your house. This enables you to control the temperature of your house and monitor the amount of moisture present.

Creating a fresh air flow and opening your windows and doors could also help control the dampness in your house. The air in your home will be less humid, more air can depart, and new air can enter.

Look inside your walls for any leaky pipes in your house. Getting the walls scoped for leaks is good if you detect drops in your home’s water pressure. Thermal imaging tools that measure moisture levels can be used for this.

Conclusion 

If given the right conditions, mold can quickly grow throughout your house and take control. After water damage, mold often develops rapidly within 24-48 hours.

So, the best strategy to stop mold growth in your house is to keep it as dry as possible. To prevent placing your property in danger of mold growth, you need to ensure you obtain prompt repairs by contacting your neighborhood home inspection company.

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Editorial Staff

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