Unfortunately, mold can be found almost anywhere. However, when mold is present in the indoor environment there is usually moisture present. Mold especially likes to grow where temperatures are 68°F, dim lighting, and very little air circulation. Mold spores are known to travel throughout the air, attach themselves to any damp surface, and then begin breaking down the material as it grows. Therefore, it is vitally important for homeowners to contact a mold remediation company when they have experienced a flood or fire in their home.
How Fast Can Mold Grow?
Surprisingly, mold will start growing immediately after spores are attached to an item. Mold can easily grow within 24 to 48 hours and will begin to colonize in 1 to 12 days. Most times, mold is already a problem before it is discovered. Due to the fact that the spores are hard to destroy, mold will sometimes return even after the mold source is gone. That’s why it is vitally important to contact a mold restoration company for appropriate and permanent remediation.
When Can I Know That Mold May Be Present In My Home?
Homeowners who have experienced certain problems that are known to be favorable to mold will usually have mold present. Mold causing problems include:
- Fire
- Flood
- Plumbing leaks
- Leaky Roof
- Swollen floorboards/walls
- Water stained ceilings
Where Does Indoor Mold Like To Grow?
Indoor mold likes to grow on wet cellulose materials. However, homeowners should keep in mind that mold can still grow even when the moisture problem has been fixed. At this time the mold will go dormant and continue surviving without moisture. Most likely, mold will just continue to feed on materials such as sheetrock, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpet, wood, adhesives, paints, upholstery, and fabric.
What Are The Health Effects Due To Mold Exposure?
Mold can be extremely harmful to people. Many of the symptoms related to mold resemble that of a common cold or allergy condition. Therefore, oftentimes the appropriate diagnosis goes undetected. However, most common symptoms that are associated with mold exposure are:
- Wheezy/coughing
- Watery/Red Eyes
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Throat irritation
- Skin irritation
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Extreme fatigue
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Fevers
In addition, mold can also cause very serious conditions and can be fatal to infants, seniors, and adults with previously compromised immune systems.
FAQs
Mold can easily grow within 24 to 48 hours and will begin to colonize in 1 to 12 days. Most times, mold is already a problem before it is discovered. Due to the fact that the spores are hard to destroy, mold will sometimes return even after the mold source is gone.
How long does it take for mold to become a problem? ›
Given the proper conditions, mold will start to germinate and grow as early as 24 hours after encountering the moisture source. In 3 to 12 days, the mold spores will colonize. In 18-21 days, the mold can become visible. In general, the longer that moisture is present, the greater the chance for mold to grow and spread.
How likely is mold to come back after remediation? ›
It is feasible for mold to return after remediation, but only if you fail to find the resource of moisture developing the mold issue. As soon as that problem is dealt with, mold remediation will certainly keep mold from returning to that area.
How fast can mold affect you? ›
Mold symptoms usually begin 2 to 9 hours following exposure, and these symptoms will likely remain on and off until the mold is officially removed. That said, certain variables may affect how long your mold symptoms will last.
How long before mold grows on drywall? ›
Mold growing on wet drywall follows a similar growth pattern as on other surfaces; within two days (or about 24 to 48 hours) of water intrusion, mold will begin to colonize damp drywall and release new spores.
How long does mold toxicity take to start? ›
The time it takes for mold exposure to affect you can vary greatly. Some people might see symptoms within 24-48 hours of exposure, while others may not experience signs for weeks or even months. Factors such as individual sensitivity and the type of mold play a significant role.
Can mold behind walls make you sick? ›
Can mold make my family sick? Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.
How quickly does mold come back? ›
Mold can easily grow within 24 to 48 hours and will begin to colonize in 1 to 12 days. Most times, mold is already a problem before it is discovered. Due to the fact that the spores are hard to destroy, mold will sometimes return even after the mold source is gone.
Is it safe to stay in a house during mold remediation? ›
If the mold damage is located in your living room, kitchen or the bathroom, the experts will recommend you to find alternative lodging for the time being. Also, if you have infants and elderly people at home or have family members with a weak immune system, you should probably leave your home for a while.
How long should you stay out of the house after mold remediation? ›
The time you should stay out of the house after mold remediation depends on the extent of the remediation and the methods used. Typically, it's safe to return 24 to 48 hours after the remediation process is completed. This allows time for any airborne spores to settle and for the air quality to return to safe levels.
Symptoms
- Sneezing.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Cough and postnasal drip.
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
- Watery eyes.
- Dry, scaly skin.
While it's very dark, it's not a single color, as the name implies. Instead, black mold is actually very dark green, brown, or black and is wet, shiny, and slimy. Black mold often looks fuzzy. It tends to form clusters of circular spots that may have fuzzy white edges and when wiped, leaves a green stain behind.
Can mold develop overnight? ›
mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure.
Can you leave mold behind drywall? ›
If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced. Mold on drywall can indicate a deeper problem in the stud space behind your wall since it can penetrate the surface. In this case, you'll need to cut it out and replace the drywall in the affected and surrounding areas.
Does mold in one room affect the whole house? ›
-Air ducts: Mold can spread throughout the residence and affect multiple rooms if air ducts have leaks. If water infiltration occurs around doors and windows, mold may travel to neighboring rooms. If mold is found behind drywall near electrical connections or wires, it can spread throughout the residence.
How quickly can you have a reaction to mold? ›
Mold allergy can cause an allergic reaction right away. But in some cases, it may cause delayed symptoms. This can cause a stuffy nose or asthma symptoms that get worse over time. If your symptoms often get worse in a damp, humid, or moldy room like a basem*nt, this may mean you have a mold allergy.
How long can mold go undetected? ›
Invisible mold is any mold growth that happens out of sight, which makes it significantly more dangerous. It is dangerous because it can grow undetected behind walls and under floors for years before the homeowner discovers it. It can even lie dormant for ages before it becomes a severe health and safety hazard.
When should I be worried about mold? ›
If you notice a spot and aren't sure if it's just an old stain or a splotch of dirt, here's how to tell if it could be a sign of a mold problem: It has a musty, earthy smell. There's a nearby source of moisture, but not much light. You see warping, cracking, or peeling of whatever material it's growing on.
