How Long Does It Take For Black Mold To Grow & Spread
Do you have water damage in your home and are concerned about the presence of black mold?
Are you wondering if its already too late to prevent?
In this guide you will learn:
- Factors affecting how fast black mold can grow & spread,
- First Signs of Black mold & Most Common Causes Of Rapid Black Mold Growth,
- How To Keep Black Mold From Growing After Water Damage.
Safety Precautions If You Attempt To Clean Mold
Even if you dont have sensitivities to mold you should still always wear eye protection, a mask and gloves when cleaning mold. Spores can be easily breathed in or land in unprotected eyes. The chemicals you may be using also pose a risk for skin irritation or respiratory and sinus damage when breathed in.
If you feel any kind of adverse reactions when youre cleaning mold, you should immediately stop and call a mold remediation specialist to continue the job.
Recommended Reading: What Is Good To Clean Mold
How Fast Does Mold Grow
After a water leak mold can grow fast. In fact, it begins to form in just 24-hours after spores attach to a moisture source.
Once this happens, the spores begin to spread and create a colony. Colonies can expand as much as one square inch per day, covering a square foot in a short time.
Mold cannot live unless there is a source of moisture on which it can feed. If this exists, as is the case when building materials and personal items like carpet, drywall, wood, and even clothes become wet, mold can thrive.
Spores float off of the colonies and hang in the air for those who live and work in an infested space to inhale. This, for some, leads to illness ranging in severity from allergy-like symptoms to long-term health issues.
Contacting a professional mold remediation service, like HRS in Denver, can help you remove and clean mold quickly. This is essential to protecting the health and safety of those on your property.
At HRS, our team of certified and highly-trained technicians are ready to assist you as soon as you suspect mold has infested your home or property. Contact us immediately and we will work quickly to bring your space back to its pre-damaged state.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that can vary in color between green, black, white, orange, purple, and gray.
It thrives in areas that are moist, dark, and warm. It requires continuous wetness to survive.
Mold can form quickly after a water breach, becoming visible in as little as 24-hours.
What Causes Mold To Spread?
Also Check: How To Tell If Mold Is Active
Can You Kill The Mold Yourself
While some property owners will try to dry the area or spray bleach, the truth is that these methods often only spread the mold to other areas of the home. Whats worse, AC and heating systems can spread the spores throughout the home through the air.
Avoid trying to remove the mold yourself. We understand that you can Google search How to kill mold and find hundreds of ways to do that, but those methods are usually for surface area mold, NOT for water damaged area mold.
Clean Gray And Clear Water Damage
Remove pooled and standing water by bailing it out with a bucket or by vacuuming it up with a wet/dry vacuum. If there is no electricity to the immediate area, run extension cords from the nearest power source. If using a generator, do not run it in or near the house or garage. Hard items damaged with clear, clean water can be dried out and then cleaned with soap and water.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold
Mold Creates An Unpleasant Odor
Mold growth produces a specific smell that is very unpleasant. Sometimes it may be hard to trace the exact spot where the odor is coming from. Many homeowners face the issue of hidden mold growth after water damage.
Even if the mold is out of plain sight you could still sense the musty smell. A professional mold inspector can use his expertise and tools to find out where the odor is coming from. Then its possible to follow up and completely remove the mold growth.
Avoiding Mold Hazards In Your Water
Mold on wall extends above flood level because the moisture wicked up the drywall.
Wear an N-95 or better respirator to reduce your exposure to mold spores disturbed during cleanup.
A water-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold explosion. Molds produce spores that spread easily through the air. They form new mold growths when they find the right conditions: moisture, nutrients and a place to grow.
Mold can damage materials and health. The longer mold is allowed to grow, the greater the risk and the harder the cleanup. So as soon as the floodwaters recede and it is safe to return, dont delay cleanup and drying.Take photographs to document damages for insurance purposes, and get started. It is not wise to wait for the adjuster to see it in person. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold damage or mold remediation costs.
Although there is wide variation in how people are affected by mold, long-term or high exposure is unhealthy for anyone. Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. It may suppress the immune system or have other effects. Some types of mold can produce mycotoxins in certain conditions, which can be present in spores and fragments in the air. Black mold is a misleading term since many types are black.
Preventing Mold Growth after Flooding
Also Check: Is There Mold In My House
Is Black Mold Dangerous
Despite widespread implications that black mold is highly toxic, Stachybotrys chartarum is about as dangerous as any other mold. According to the CDC, no link has been established between exposure to black mold and the development of serious respiratory problems, skin conditions or other major health problems. That being said, black mold has the potential to cause bodily irritation in several different ways.
Some side effects of black mold exposure may include:
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath typically arise in more severe cases, and most side effects of mold exposure are easily treatable. Some symptoms may be more intense for people with asthma, COPD, compromised immune systems, severe allergies or other bodily sensitivity. Overall, however, there is currently no evidence that black mold poses life-threatening health risks.
Donât Miss: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold
Diy Or Call A Professional
If you have a lot of water in the house, hiring a water damage restoration company may be your best bet to get your home back in order as fast and as cost-efficiently as possible. Restoration companies have the right equipment thats needed to dry out your place quickly.
A restoration professional is even more critical for saving your home if it was flooded with more contaminated water like sewage. This type of water is extremely hazardous and best handled by trained and certified water damage cleanup professionals.
Furthermore, if mold has started growing in your home following a flood, its likely that theres even more mold hiding in unseen areas, such as inside walls. Mold removal experts have the necessary tools to detect hidden mold in areas where the eyes cant see.
For professional mold removal services and water damage restoration, contact your local PuroClean office.
Read Also: How Do Home Inspectors Test For Mold
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Walls
How Do I Avoid Fungal Problems In The Future
Prevention is Key to Avoiding Fungal Problems. Proper Inspection and repair can keep fungal growth in check. If a homeowner has experienced water damage, mold damage, or fungal issues in their home, an inspection should be done immediately by a professional. He/she will walk through your home looking for any signs of damage that may have occurred during an event such as flooding or leaking pipes.
If you have any areas in your home that look like they could possibly be hiding a fungal growth, a mold inspection should be performed. A mold inspector will take samples from these areas and send them off to a lab for testing. When an area is found to be infested with harmful fungi, necessary action for mold remediation as soon as possible.
Fungal growth after water damage can be a serious problem for homeowners. It is important to take action as soon as you spot a problem so that it doesnt get worse. However, once it has occurred, there are certain preventative steps you can take to reduce your chances of fungal growth in your home. This is why prevention is key to avoiding fungal problems in your home.
For more information, contact our mold removal experts at 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Dallas to answer any questions.
And Verifying Sources Of Additional Moisture
Additionally, a mold test could help you find other sources of moisture. A professional mold inspector will test your homes indoor air quality, check for moisture, and identify high-risk areas for possible mold growth. If mold is found, you should have a restoration team remove the mold from the premises ASAP.
You May Like: Can Black Mold Make Me Sick
How Cast Can Mold Spread
Mold doesnt take long to make its presence known. In fact, according to FEMA, mold growths or colonies can start to grow on a damp surface within as little as 24 to 48 hours. How is mold able to spread so quickly? Simple: because mold spreads through the use of sporestiny seeds that travel through the air in our home that are completely invisible to the naked eye. These spores latch on to another damp surface, and if the conditions are right, they quickly begin reproducing and spreading even further, oftentimes multiplying into millions of cells in as little as a few short hours. Before long, youre seeing spots growing on your walls that continue to get bigger and bigger.
Are There Situations Where Mold Sampling May Be Considered
Mold testing may be appropriate if:
Recommended Reading: How To Kill Mold In Crawl Space
Free Quote By A Mold Removal Specialist
From our Pre-Screened Recommended Specialist
How to Clean Up Mold After Water Damage
If youve had a flood or water damage in any part of your home, you know how stressful cleaning up can be. Water is simultaneously one of the most important and destructive substances on the planet. We need it to live but it can also quickly destroy the places we call home. Thats why cleaning up water damage properly is so important. The best way to control mold after water damage is to prevent it in the first place. Well go through a few ways to prevent mold from forming and lay out a few things to do if you find it.
Mold Loves Damp
Mold is, in many ways, a fascinating living organism. It loves damp, dark, low ventilation environments, unlike many other things on earth. Unfortunately, this tendency makes it difficult to find and even more difficult to get rid of.
After a flood or water damage, the very first thing you should do is dry the area thoroughly. This may mean removing dry wall, flooring or area carpets. Its critical to remove anything that could hold water or dampness, allowing mold to form and grow. If there is visible water remaining in the area, do anything necessary to remove it. This could mean bringing in pumping equipment or a wet dry vacuum.
After visible water is removed, bring in fans or blowers and if possible, open up your windows to bring in fresh, clean air. Its imperative that the area gets and remains completely dry and open to light until it is.
Mildewcides
There Might Be Mold In Your Hvac System
The risk of mold colonies residing in your HVAC system is the greatest after major flooding. As the waters intruded your home, the dirty water could have entered the HVAC system. This water may contain bacteria and mold spores.
Its very hard to assess the complete HVAC situation by yourself. You are better off seeking expert intervention. Usually, the system is opened, and the individual parts receive a thorough cleaning. Sometimes a full disinfection process is due because the floodwaters compromise the HVAC system.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Check For Mold In Your Apartment
Timely Efficient Water Damage Remediation
As a responsible home owner, you should never allow water to stand for long after a leak inside your home. Make sure to remove the water quickly, dry the affected areas, get timely repairs, and eliminate all conditions that may allow mold to thrive.
In case of a flood that is too big for you to handle, call a professional water damage remediation service to correctly restore your home.
At West Central Equipment and Restoration, we provide prompt, reliable and efficient water damage and mold remediation. Our certified technicians are experienced in dealing with all manner of plumbing accidents, water damages, and mold growth.
So if you are located in Lecanto, Florida, make sure to call West Central whenever you have a sizeable water leak or need help with mold remediation. For more information on mold remediation and water damage restoration, visit the site West Central Equipment and Restoration.
Remove Damp Carpet Or Flooring
If your flooring or carpeting has sustained water damage, it goes without saying that removing the damaged surfaces should be one of the first steps if you want to prevent mold from spreading. This is especially true for floors with grooves such as stone-tiled floors, where moisture can easily become trapped. Carpeting can also be a high risk for mold growth as it not only provides a warm and damp environment for mold, but also for dust that spores can feed on.
In cases where there is minimal or contained water damage, it can be possible to dry your flooring using household items like baking soda or targeted cleaners. However, in cases of extreme water damage, its usually advisable to remove the affected flooring entirely.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Mildew And Mold Out Of Clothes
B How Can Mold Damage A Home
Along with adverse health effects, mold can also damage your home by taking over large areas that require removal or even demolitions to eliminate. It can be expensive to remove mold and may even require that you replace personal items and furniture along the way.
Mold can break down the wood, drywall, tiles, and other materials throughout a home. The national average cost for mold removal starts at around $2,500. This cost will be much higher for larger spaces or more complex situations such as crawl space water intrusion, or water damage from a second story damaging the first floor. In that case, water restoration and mold remediation must take place for both levels of the property. Consequently, the price for restoration will go up when there is more mold present, as it must be carefully removed. Identifying mold in your home early on can eliminate the need for expensive mold remediation and repairs, which saves you both money and overall well-being.
Be Aware Of The Health Risks
Its good to understand the potential health risks of mold. Cleaning mold can potentially expose you to these dangers, but living or working in a building with mold poses many of the same risks.
- Respiratory problems
- Burning, watery or red eyes
- Nose or throat irritation
- Rashes or hives
Prolonged or severe mold exposure can even lead to nervous system problems with symptoms like headaches, mood changes and memory loss. People can also develop almost fibromyalgia-like aches and pains.
People with allergies or existing respiratory problems like asthma are especially sensitive to the negative health effects of mold. If someone with those health issues lives in your household it is of vital importance that you remain vigilant for mold and mildew growth.
Recommended Reading: How To Design Plastic Injection Molded Parts
How To Prevent And React To Mold After Water Damage
Water damage is the most common form of property damage that occurs within homes and buildings. Rain, floods, leaks, plumbing and appliance issues, burst pipes, overflows, and backups can all result in serious water damage as the excess water and moisture spreads through furnishings and porous building materials. As the water continues to spread, it will cause serious damage including warping, rotting, and structural damage.
While widespread property damage is a major issue that can occur with excess water and moisture, water damage can lead to an even more serious issue that will cause further structural damage and put your health at risk mold. Mold growth is a risk in all cases of water damage because moisture is the main trigger of mold growth indoors. Mold spores are already a natural presence in indoor air and if the spores find an area that provides them with moisture and organic materials for a food source, they can form mold colonies rather quickly. In fact, areas affected by water damage are at risk for mold growth within 24-48 hours of the damage occurring.
If You Use Bleach To Clean Up Mold
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas.
- Always follow the manufacturers instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
- Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.
- If you need to clean more than 10 square feet, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, which gives advice on all building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at .
Recommended Reading: How To Remove Mold From Car Carpet
