How Fast Mold Can Grow After a Leak or Flood

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Edmond, OK

Mold spores are microscopic organisms in the air. They can be found almost anywhere. Mold growth is very common after water damage as it is difficult to clean and dry things fast enough. Mold can occur in as little as 24 to 48 hours when mold spores find the right environment. If you suspect your building in Edmond, OK, has become infected with mold, you should conduct a mold inspection.

Where Mold Can Grow

All mold needs to thrive is warm, moist air and some sort of organic material for the spores to digest. Mold can grow on almost any damp porous or pulpy surface.

• Carpet
• Drywall
• Wood
• Ceiling tiles
• Insulation
• Plants
• Cardboard
• Furniture
• Paper
• Books

Mold is often discovered after leaks and floods. It is left behind by water damage that is not cleaned quickly and efficiently enough.

What You Can Do
Addressing any leaks and floods as soon as possible can help mitigate the damage from mold. Invest in a good filtration system to lessen the amount of mold spores in the air. A quality ventilation system could help to expel excess moisture. You could also take proactive steps in mold prevention by using mold-resistant building products. Both mold-resistant drywall and moisture-resistant drywall are excellent options to consider for areas that will frequently be exposed to high humidity such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. There are different types of paints that contain mold inhibitors. Either during initial construction or during any process of rebuilding, look into what building products currently exist on the market to help in the prevention of mold.
After a water loss like a leak or flood, the focus is often on cleaning and drying what you can immediately see. Water damage often leads to mold just below the surface of many organic materials. If you suspect mold growth but have not been able to locate it through a self-inspection, consider consulting mold remediation specialists who can use professional equipment to conduct a more intensive search.