How Long Does it take for Mold to Grow After Water Damage?

Mold After Water Damage – How Long Does It Take?

Home ownership is very rewarding, but extremely stressful at times. There are a lot of responsibilities that come along with it, and a lot of expenses that one might not think of at the time of purchase. Of course, in some cases, having a good homeowners insurance policy can help. But, in other cases, the responsibilities trickle straight down to the homeowner. In the event of severe weather or even with windows left open during rain showers, water damage can occur. Water damage should be taken care of immediately after it is seen, as more detrimental things can stem from it if it isn’t remediated in a timely manner.

Mold after water damage is inevitable. When water damage occurs, mold follows. If excess moisture accumulates inside of the home, mold growth is on it’s way, and it doesn’t take long at all. Floods, burst pipes, leaking roofs, and open windows all can contribute to excess moisture build up, and should be handled appropriately. 

Mold forms and spreads at an accelerated rate, as the moisture seems to feed it. The mold growth can remain hidden for several days, but there is no doubt that it is forming within the damaged area. In most cases, mold begins to form in as little as 24-48 hours! The longer you wait to dry out the areas that have been affected by water damage, the more “food” you are fueling the mold growth with. Quick clean up and drying of the damaged areas will result in reduced chances of continued mold growth.

As a new or established home owner, cleaning the damages areas may seem like a simple process. But, in most cases, this doesn’t hold true. In order to be sure that mold growth will cease, it is important to have a certified water damage professional handle the cleanup and repair of the affected areas. The certified professionals have the knowledge of how to perform an impeccable clean up job, and they have specialized tools that will get the area completely dry, fast. A qualified Miami Public Adjuster can make this process easy for you.

There are a few things to consider when you incur water damage:

• Not all water damage is the same. The color of the water has a huge effect on the damages and the hazards that the damage may cause. As a homeowner cleaning up the damaged area, this is something that you would not notice, and could affect the health of you or your family unit. Certified professionals will be able to determine the hazard level of the damages, and will rectify the matter to ensure your home is safe to live in. 
• You can’t always see all the damage. As a homeowner, cleaning up the area only includes the water that can be seen. Water seeps inside of the walls, under flooring, and in other areas that only a professional would know to look, and know how to treat. They will be able to find any hidden areas, and any mold spores that could be lurking as the result. 
• You need peace of mind. If you choose to perform the cleanup on your own, you will always be second guessing yourself- thinking that you missed an area, or could have mold growing within your home. The water damage professional will be able to give you peace of mind, by knowing where to look, checking all areas, and cleaning and sanitizing all areas that have been damaged due to water. 
• Safety is important. While as a homeowner, you may think that cleaning the area will solve the problem. But, in some cases, water damage hinders the integrity of the wood or other porous surface that has come into contact with the water. A professional will be able to assist in determining if the integrity of the structure has been affected.

Water damage is a difficult issue to assess and fix, but mold is an even trickier issue. Because it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to form after water damage- you have to work quickly! Don’t waste any time called a remediation expert to clear your water damage and any mold that has started forming. Mold can take over very quickly, and constantly spreads. Mold can affect the health of anyone living in the household, and can damage the property beyond repair if it is left untreated. Don’t hesitate before contacting a professional to treat your property. Need help with your claim, schedule a free consultation.