Mold is a type of fungus with several species that grows and spreads on damp or decaying organic matter. It exists in several different colors and can be found indoors and outdoors during all seasons throughout the year. It thrives in moist areas, so any water leak in your home can create problems and lead to severe damage.
You should urgently handle mold removal to protect your family’s health and prevent extensive property damage. The mold remediation experts in Central Indiana can help you get rid of mold safely and effectively on your residential or commercial property.
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold growth occurs in more than 50% of American households, causing property damage and dire health effects at a rapid pace if left unchecked. The different mold species leave behind irritants, allergens, and potential toxins associated with severe respiratory disorders.
Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the atmosphere that can spread through water, air, or on animals. The spores can enter your home through windows, open doors, vents, and air conditioning or heating systems. They can also attach themselves to shoes, clothes, bags, and pets and get brought indoors.
Mold spores thrive in areas with adequate moisture and organic materials, with several building materials in the house providing the required nutrients for growth. Wet cellulose materials, such as paper products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, and wood products, support mold growth.
Do Water Leaks Always Cause Mold Damage?
People assume mold only grows when extensive water damage occurs, such as from a visible water leak, storm damage, or a flood. Mold essentially thrives in damp or humid conditions, and any leak can lead to an infestation. Even a one-time water leak can cause severe mold damage to your property if you do not act fast.
The occurrence of a water leak does not necessarily indicate the growth of mold in your home. Several factors, such as the severity of water damage, the extent of surfaces affected, and how quickly you clean up, determine whether mold growth will occur.
Leaving a water leak unchecked for more than 48 hours will guarantee mold infestation in your home. Remove excess water and dry affected surfaces within 24 hours after a water leak to prevent mold. Homeowners often make the mistake of cleaning and drying the visible surfaces, neglecting the moisture trapped in hidden spaces.
Water trapped within the walls and underneath the floorboards can allow mold to grow undetected and cause property damage. You should fix any leaks and dry up moisture as fast as possible to prevent further damage to your household.
How Quickly Does Mold Grow?
Mold is usually a concern for property owners after water damage as it quickly grows and is often difficult to remove. It takes approximately 24 to 48 hours to start growing in favorable conditions, so you should act fast to prevent extensive damage.
Most molds growing due to water leaks have adverse effects on the health of your family members, especially your children. They can release toxins responsible for symptoms such as nausea, rashes, respiratory illness, vomiting, and neurological issues. They also increase the risk of developing asthma in children in their first year.
Mold spores develop within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure on wet surfaces. Mold is not visible to the naked eye during its early stages of development, taking close to 21 days to become apparent. The growth rate varies depending on several critical factors, including:
- Temperature: The temperature of your home is one of the main factors determining the rate of mold growth. High temperatures provide favorable conditions for mold to grow and regenerate faster. Keeping your home cool after experiencing water damage will slow down mold development and allow you to remove it in its initial stages.
- Ventilation: Keeping your property dry and airy will reduce the growth rate and minimize the risk of mold spreading in your home.
- How Long It Took To Clear Moisture: Mold thrives in moist areas, so keeping your home clean and dry will minimize the chances of rapid growth. You also have to repair any leaks or sources of water damage to protect your property from mold and prevent further structural damage.
- Types of Affected Surfaces: Organic surfaces are a source of nutrition for mold spores, allowing them to grow and spread rapidly to other areas. Reducing the number of organic surfaces and investing in inorganic wall paint will reduce the growth rate.
Other factors affecting the growth rate of mold in your home include the species of mold and the presence of mold spores. Acting quickly in the event of water damage is crucial to preventing mold development and maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Mold remediation is a challenging process that requires lots of expertise, and trying to tackle it yourself can put you and your family at risk.
You should call on professional mold remediation services in Indianapolis if you spot a water leak and let them handle the restoration process. The water damage restoration experts at A Plus Restoration Services have the skills and expertise to safely and effectively carry out the entire process.
Contact The Professional Mold Removal Service Today!
Trusting the professionals will help protect your home from further damage. The experts at A Plus Restoration Services can locate, assess, and handle any mold or water damage in your residential or commercial property.
We are a qualified and top-notch restoration company offering 24/7 water damage emergency services to residential and commercial property owners. You can count on us for water damage cleanup, repairs, and other services, including mold remediation and property reconstruction. Our team of expert technicians follows a step-by-step approach to ensure effective mold removal from your property.
We also provide services such as fire damage restoration, sewage cleanup, biohazard cleanups, and crawlspace repairs. We use high-quality tools, such as a sump pump, to clear your basement of any water damage and handle sewage backups on your property. We work tirelessly to provide 100% customer satisfaction, ensuring you are happy with the results of the service we provide. Call us at (317) 671-7712 to get a free estimate.