So, how quickly can mold grow from water damage? The White Glove Restoration team’s extensive experience has shown that the answer to this common question depends on a number of factors. The two primary influences are the environmental conditions and the amount of moisture present, but under the right conditions, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow from dormant spores.
Below, our restoration professionals unpack what property owners need to know about water damage, mold, and everything in between.
Two Common Questions About Mold and Water Damage
Water damage is a complicated situation, and mold prevention is always the most urgent part of the cleanup operation. At White Glove Restoration, the two most common questions we hear involve leaking taps and how quickly mold grows in various settings.
Can a Leaking Tap Cause Mold?
Many people are surprised to learn that it is not even necessary for an affected area to flood for mold to spring up from nowhere. All it takes is a few drops of water leaking from a small hole for mold to start growing. Before long, mold spores fill the air and quickly spread to other parts of the building.
Initially, family members or employees may not notice the growth. Mold spores are microscopic, and only rapid growth makes them visible to the naked eye. So, the only way to prevent mold from invading a home or workplace is to make it a hostile environment for spores, which means handling leaks as soon as possible and drying excess moisture within 48 hours.
A restoration company like White Glove Restoration often sees cases of extensive water damage, and our team is fully competent in the cleanup and drying process to keep mold from taking up residence after a leak.
How Quickly Can Mold Grow from Water Damage?
Under the right conditions, mold takes 24 to 48 hours to start growing. Variables include:
- The surface and whether mold can grip onto it
- Materials on site
- The amount of moisture
- The temperature (mold thrives over 70°F)
- The humidity levels
The presence of soft surfaces helps mold anchor its spores easily, and it also prefers dark spots without direct sunlight. As the mold grows, it releases spores that spread quickly through air conditioning or the natural movement of air. Left unchecked, all areas of the property become infested, and the number of spores increases drastically to become obviously visible around three weeks later.
As mold remediation and water damage professionals, White Glove Restoration cannot overemphasize the importance of dealing with spills and leaks immediately. Cleaning and drying the area prevents the mold from gaining the foothold it needs to become a problem.
When to Call a Professional for Water Damage or Mold
If the leak or flooding involves contaminated water or sewerage, professional assistance is essential. A leaky pipe does not necessarily need a professional to clean up the water spillage or start mold remediation. However, the decision will depend on the timeline and volume.
Can you dry out the area within 24 hours, including soft furnishings, walls, floors, ceilings, and wooden items? If not, call our professionals for assistance—the earlier, the better. Beyond 24 hours, you are racing against the clock on lingering moisture.
Calling in professionals like White Glove Restoration is a good idea if there is any chance of a mold infestation after water damage. Waiting is not worth the risk of damage to furniture or the potential health risks, and the earlier you call us, the higher the likelihood that we can stop the growth before it turns into an expensive remediation project.
How quickly can mold grow from water damage in your area without professional intervention? Contact White Glove Restoration at (619) 776-3131 today to find out.
