How Fast Can Mold Grow After Water Damage?

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Generally, mold can grow significantly within 24 to 48 hours after water damage.

How Fast Does Mold Grow?

Generally, mold can grow significantly within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. Mold can take hold of your home and grow rapidly within 12 days if it has the ideal conditions it needs to thrive. How fast mold grows after damage depends on various different factors. We discuss those critical factors below.

We all are aware that unnecessary damp conditions in our home can lead to the problem of mold growth. What we don’t realize is how important it is to act fast and repair the water damage urgently. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of days till mold takes over your home and destroys every surface it grows on. Well, after getting to know how fast mold can grow after water damage, you will never again delay fixing the water damage in your home.

The Time the Water Has Been There

How fast mold grows after water damage in your home mainly depends on how long the dirty water has been gathered in a spot. If the water has been lying there for more than a couple of days, then there are higher chances of mold growth developing rapidly in that area.

On the other hand, if you keep your home clean and dry the speed at which mold grows will slow down. Moreover, if you urgently take proper action then you might be able to save your home from the danger of mold growth. This means you get the repairs done right after the water damage occurs.

The Temperature of Your Home

Another main factor that comes into play for mold growth is the temperature if your home. If your home is always warm, then there are higher chances of mold growth. Higher temperatures provide the ideal conditions for mold to regenerate quickly.

This is why we suggest you try to keep your home cool after it has been affected by water damage.  Cooling your home will significantly slow down the development of mold and give you a better chance to treat the problem at its initial stages.

The Ventilation in Your Home

Another factor that affects the speed at which mold grows after water damage is ventilation. If you keep your home airy and dry, then this will slow down the process and minimize the risk of mold growth in your home.

The Availability of Organic Surfaces

Organic surfaces are ideal for mold spores to feed on. Once they latch onto an organic surface like wall paint, they spread rapidly throughout the room. So, the availability of many organic surfaces in your home will speed up the spreading of mold. However, if you invest in inorganic wall paint, then the spreading will happen at a much slower pace.

Last Few Words

Overall, mold can take hold of your home and spread rapidly if it gets access to the ideal conditions it needs to thrive. Generally, mold can grow significantly within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. Therefore, as a responsible homeowner, you must make sure you get timely repairs to avoid putting your home at risk of mold growth.