How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow on Wet Drywall?

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you've ever had the misfortune of having a water pipe break or your roof leak, you know the dread that occurs when you watch water seep into your home's drywall. If your first instinct is to search online for "water damage restoration contractors near me," that's a wise move. Not only can your drywall be physically damaged by the water itself, but the dampness and darkness also create the perfect environment for mold to run amok.

Most types of mold can experience significant growth in the first 24-48 hours following water intrusion. However, since mold spores are naturally present nearly everywhere, you shouldn't wait to see if mold develops before seeking help. Mold growth is almost always a given following water intrusion, even if it isn't in an easily visible area. Since hidden mold can contribute to a variety of health problems, don't put off calling a professional restoration crew.

Factors That Influence Mold Growth

Your Home’s Temperature: Mold spores can reproduce and grow more quickly in a warm environment. That's why mold growth increases during the summer months. If your home has been impacted by water damage, dropping the temperature might buy you precious time to dry out the area before mold spores develop. Since it's easier to address the problem before mold establishes new growth, you'll want to do everything possible to make your home inhospitable to mold.  

Organic Surfaces: Organic surfaces are a source of food for growing mold spores. If you have an organic surface, like many painted walls, mold will spread quickly throughout the room. The fewer organic materials you have in the area, the slower mold will spread. If you are concerned about the potential for mold or have areas in your home prone to moisture problems, such as laundry, bathroom, or kitchen, where water and steam are present, selecting an inorganic wall paint can help minimize mold's ability to spread throughout your living space.

Ventilation: Mold thrives in damp places like crawlspaces and basements. The main reason is that these areas typically suffer from poor ventilation, darkness, and moisture. When airflow is limited, it becomes easier for humidity levels to rise and for mold growth to explode. Conversely, maintaining airflow can dry out a damp space and make it more challenging for spores to get the moisture they need to grow.

Move Fast to Prevent Disaster

While you may be tempted to see if flooding or water damage dries out on its own, the time you wait before calling a restoration service allows mold growth to begin. Drywall is especially vulnerable to mold growth, and mold spores will multiply rapidly and exponentially if the moisture isn't addressed immediately. Remember, just because mold isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't there.

While mold colonies can form within 48 hours of water damage, the growths may not become visible for a few weeks. Unfortunately, the lack of visible mold often gives homeowners a misguided sense of relief. If you have water damage on drywall, you will have a mold problem unless the surface is completely dried out within 48 hours of being wet.

Don't Wait for Trouble: Be Prepared

The best time to plan for what you'll do if a leak or flood damages your home is before the situation occurs. Keep the SERVPRO 24-hour emergency hotline number on your fridge or stored in your phone for emergencies. If you need emergency service, call (208) 457-1234 anytime to connect with one of our skilled representatives. They will collect information about your situation and dispatch a team to help you.

Don't let water intrusion leave you with out-of-control mold growth. Contact SERVPRO of Coeur d'Alene today and let our team restore your home.