Mold is one of the most common side effects of water damage in a home. Homeowners often face concerns about excess moisture in hard-to-reach areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and spaces between walls. These areas usually experience undiscovered water leaks for weeks, eventually leading to mold growth.
Mold exposure can be a dangerous health hazard. A house with mold infestation could cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, itchy eyes, runny noses, and other adverse health effects. To preserve the air quality in your home and protect your family, it is essential to understand what makes indoor mold grow.
The Mold Growth Cycle
How fast can mold grow? Numerous factors determine this. Let’s discuss the mold growth cycle to understand better how mold spores develop inside a home.
Germination of Mold Spores
The key ingredient required for mold spore activation is moisture. If you have a moisture problem due to a roof leak, a broken pipe, or a malfunctioning appliance, this is all it takes to make mold grow. A humid basement is a common culprit. Once the spores have gained a foothold, mold can spread rapidly if favorable conditions are present.
Hyphae Growth and Colonization
The next growth cycle stage is when the spores form thread-like structures called hyphae. These components spread out in search of organic materials to consume. Additionally, hyphae help the mold colonize the material it is attached to, such as drywall, wood, or other surfaces.
Visible Mold Growth and Spore Release
As the hyphae continue to spread, the mold will become a colony visible to the human eye. Depending on the species, a mold problem could come in many different colors, so look for yellow, green, brown, or blue discolorations in your home. Once the colonies are large enough, they can release new spores into the environment, starting the process again and facilitating mold spread.
Factors Affecting Mold Growth Speed
How fast does mold grow when the conditions are present? The speed of mold growth can vary widely depending on the environment in which it is grown. Here are some factors that could speed up or slow down the spread of mold in your home, including black mold.
Moisture
Since moisture is the key ingredient for mold spore activation, excess water in your home can catalyze mold growth. The more water in the area, the faster mold can spread and grow. This is why preventing water leaks and investing in repairs when water damage occurs is essential to preserving your home’s air quality.
Temperature
For mold to grow quickly, the environment’s temperature must be ideal. Mold thrives between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and will grow quickly in this range. Homeowners often face mold problems since room temperature is perfect for growth. If a room is colder or hotter, it could slow down mold development, including black mold.
Nutrients
Mold needs organic materials to feed on, which provide nutrients for the organism. Wood, paper, drywall, and fabric are the most common nutrients for mold.
Oxygen
The final ingredient necessary for mold to grow is oxygen. Though some species do not require this molecule, most types of mold cannot survive without a healthy supply of oxygen.
Typical Mold Growth Timeline
Now that you understand the conditions needed for mold growth, we can examine how fast this process may occur. The speed at which this happens makes it crucial to act quickly if you discover mold, water damage, or water leaks on your property. Here is the typical timeline for the lifecycle of mold in a home.
24-48 Hours: Early Stages
The early stages of spore development are not visible to the naked eye, especially in the first few hours. This is when spores germinate and begin growing on a surface. This stage can last 24 to 48 hours, so it occurs relatively fast if there is water damage in your house.
3-12 Days: Visible Growth
Over the next few days and weeks, the growth will become visible. This occurs when the hyphae begin to spread and increase the colony’s size. The colony may only be visible as small spots on the material, but it may only take 3-12 days for it to become visible after the spores have developed.
18-21 Days: Significant Colonization
Significant growth will continue if you do not spot the colony by this point. After a few weeks, mold will colonize the material extensively, leading to structural damage and common symptoms for those living in the home. Prolonged exposure to air in a house with significant mold infestations can cause increasingly dangerous health conditions.
Types of Mold and Growth Rates
Mold can cause many problems when it is present in a home. It can have adverse health effects, create a musty odor, and damage the home’s structural components. This is why you must act quickly when mold is discovered. Depending on the species, it will grow rapidly in ideal conditions.
Common Indoor Molds
The three most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Cladosporium can grow roughly 28 millimeters per week, Aspergillus may grow between 9 and 12 millimeters per day, and Penicillium usually grows 4-6 millimeters per day.
Toxic Molds (Stachybotrys Chartarum)
The most toxic type of mold that may grow in a home is Stachybotrys. It is a toxic black mold that can cause allergic reactions, asthma, neurological issues, digestive problems, and chronic health complications. This black mold thrives in warm areas with high humidity levels. Preventative measures, like promptly addressing water damage, can help prevent this mold.
Contact a Mold Remediation Professional if You Find Mold
You can fix a mold problem independently, but an extensive infestation is best left to the professionals at PacWest Restoration. Our team has the knowledge and equipment to eliminate the infestation, repair the water source that created the wet conditions, and prevent future mold growth.
We can also bill your insurance company directly for water damage cleanup. If you have recently discovered water damage on your property, contact our team for a free restoration and mold remediation assessment by calling 503-746-6545 or completing the online form.
