Mold growth is one of those problems that no one wants to face. Yet, countless times, mold will seemingly spring up with little or no notice and catch its victim off guard. One of the most common statements that we hear is “I had no idea mold was even growing”. The next question is usually “How long does it take for mold to grow?”. While it seems that the homeowner may have missed something along the way, it’s actually quite common for mold growth to spring up quickly and without much warning.
According to FEMA, mold starts to grow in as little as 24-48 hours. Since mold grows so quickly, let’s review a few things to know and how we can combat a mold problem.
How Does Mold Growth Start?
Mold growth starts as mildew. Looking out for that slimy, smelly substance is the first start to keeping your home mold free. All mold needs to grow is air, and a moist environment. As anyone in the south especially knows, mold is an all to common occurrence, and it’s a year-round problem. Mold growth is usually the result of the following things:
- Flooding
- Roofing leaks
- Plumbing leaks
- High levels of humidity
- And many others…
Unfortunately, just drying up a leak or a wet spot may not be enough to stop mold growth. Next, we’ll look at what to do if mold exists.
What Can You do on Your Own
Some mold concerns can be treated by the homeowner, but most others should be handled by a trained mold remediation expert. First, if the water damage was recent, within the last 24-48 hours, ensure that the area is dried out thoroughly. This can be accomplished through using fans, towels, and plenty of air circulation. Moisture that has seeped down into porous surfaces is much more difficult to dry out and may need to be disposed.
If you see mold on a non-porous surface, it should be cleaned quickly with a non-ammonia cleaner. If you find that the mold is covering a large area or if at any point you have concerns about being able to treat this on your own, it is definitely best to call a trained professional to ensure proper treatment.
When You Should Call a Trained Professional
There is no set rule when it comes to calling in a trained professional to treat a mold problem, but the earlier this issue is treated, the less costly and invasive the treatment may be. A qualified mold professional can conduct an analysis of the surfaces and air quality within your home. This will allow him or her to provide you with an analysis of the types and levels of mold that are present. Knowing this will allow us to build a customized treatment plan for your specific home.
It is recommended that you select a company that has the ability to perform a laboratory analysis of the surface and air quality within your home in addition to having a visual analysis completed. A laboratory test will only take a few days to receive results. This allows the mold professional to treat the mold with the most appropriate measures available.
About BioClean Remediation, LLC
BioClean Remediation LLC has been serving the Gulf Coast and beyond for over 10 years. Don’t wait to find out if you have a mold problem. The earlier you catch a mold the better. Remediating mold in its early stages can be easier to treat and may be less costly than more advanced mold issues.
An air quality test and mold inspection from BioClean Remediation, LLC is the best place to start in identifying and treating a mold problem. We will conduct a thorough visual inspection and air quality test. We use the latest technology in mold detection and provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the types and levels of mold present. If mold is not present, we will provide recommendations on how to keep your home and business mold-free and healthy for everyone. Give us a call at 251-504-0747 or contact us for a mold inspection and air quality analysis.