“Mold grows on moisture and feeds on organic substances.”
Mold reproduces the same way plants produce seeds. Spores float around until they find a surface damp with moisture to land on. In warm and humid environments, these spores take root fast and feed on any organic matter on the surface while releasing fresh batches of spores to colonize nearby surfaces.
Mold spores are everywhere. Microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, they easily float through the air and ride on dust. They travel great distances searching for surfaces to land on and colonize without you noticing. The moment you spot any signs of their growth, it is often too late.
To help answer the question of what makes mold growth rapid, this article has the following sections:
Timeline of mold growth
Your quick list to prevent mold growth
Where to look for possible mold growth
When do mold spores grow faster?
Tips on how to deal with mold
What to do to prevent mold growth
Timeline of mold growth
Mold growth begins as an invisible problem. Here is the general timeline of how mold spreads:
In 24 to 48 hours. They can germinate and grow within 24 to 48 hours when a moisture source is present.
In 3 to 21 days. Then, these mold spores will colonize in 3 to 12 days.
In 18 to 21 days. They will be visible as mold in 18 to 21 days.
Unfortunately, mold grows faster during spring and summer since moisture, warmth, and organic matter are abundant. Addressing the factors that trigger mold growth is your best defense against this fungal infestation.
The best way to prevent the spread of mold is to act on it fast! To help you protect your property and health, here is a list of where and when to look for mold colonies.
Where to look for possible mold growth
Below is a list of places where mold can be present. Inspecting these areas regularly will help you avoid the expensive, unhealthy, smelly, and unsightly problems caused by mold.
Damp, humid, and stuffy areas
Dark environments are often damp, humid, and stale. These are places where spores germinate and breed. These areas include:
Basements
Showers and toilets
Laundry area
Kitchen
Crawl spaces
Water leaks and damaged pipes
Water drippings caused by cracks and leaks in pipes are challenging to spot. If these damages are unaddressed within 24 hours, organic material dampened by these drippings becomes arable surfaces for mold to colonize. Call experts to check these areas at once, especially when your home remedies cannot stop the moisture source.
Evidence of mold growth
Mold colonies near water sources
Mold can grow everywhere. It can colonize windows, tiles, floors, drywalls, carpets, rugs, air ducts, and fixtures. The mold spores form colonies that are circular and may be furry. It can be any color, but black is the unhealthiest.
Stains on walls and ceilings
Mold will create stains on your walls and ceilings. These stains may indicate water leaks in the stained area.
Mold odor
The musty and earthy smell of mold is a way to detect mold growth. Wear an N-95 respirator or one with better protection when inspecting.
When you see these signs, it is time to wear your protective gear and clean up. If needed, call a mold removal expert.
Mold exposure symptoms
Having mold exposure symptoms is also a good indicator of mold growth. It can be a stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, burning eyes, or skin rash. Those with asthma and mold allergies will have more severe reactions.
If health symptoms occur, clean up your home immediately and consult a medical professional. Your health and safety are important. Even when inspecting and cleaning your home for mold, it is best to protect yourself from mold exposure. Wear the prescribed mask, eye protection or goggles, protective gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and waterproof boots.
More importantly, call mold removal experts to have your property inspected.
When do mold spores grow faster?
Knowing when mold grows fast will help you avoid being caught off guard when mold problems arise. Check out this list:
Temperature and humidity levels
Air moisture is triggered by condensation when the combination of temperature within 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of about 70% happens. So, even if the weather may generally be not conducive for mold growth, areas in your property that have this mix of temperature and humidity are likely candidates for mold growth.
Seasons of the year
Shifts in seasons are when mold growth is fast. Temperature and humidity levels trigger condensation in the atmosphere during these times of the year. In Brooklyn, NY, this happens a lot during spring.
Floods and heavy rain
Floods and heavy rain make your property vulnerable to moisture mold. When floods reach the inside of your house, it brings along dirt and bacteria that feed mold. Heavy rain can also make your entire house damp. When these events happen, clean and dry up all affected spaces and belongings the soonest.
Should you ask mold removal experts to prevent mold growth for you?
Consult experts in Brooklyn, NY, to stop mold growth problems effectively. They will clean, dry, and fix your property for mold damages as specified in state and federal regulations.
Tips on how to prevent mold spores from growing
You can control mold. Here are practical tips for removing mold safely and preventing its further growth.
How to safely clean up most mold spores and colonies
Mold exposure can create or worsen health problems. It also causes structural damage to property and belongings. That is why it is essential to consider safety when dealing with mold problems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that moldy areas be cleaned immediately. Here are the recommended steps to do this safely:
Wear protective clothing that can cover your whole body, prescribed masks, eye protection, gloves, and waterproof boots.
Mold on hard surfaces can be removed by scrubbing mold with a stiff bristle brush, soap, and water. You can also use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water.
You can either dip the brush in the solution or put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the hard surface liberally.
Important: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners, as the mixture may produce poisonous gas.
For safety, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach.
Open windows and doors for proper ventilation and to prevent inhaling the bleach fumes.
Call experts if you cannot clean and fix the mold by yourself. The earlier you call them, the less costly it will be for you.
What to quickly do to prevent mold growth
Quick and correct action can stop mold spores from turning into mold damage. Below are the reminders that will help you throughout any mold occurrence and seasons:
Check your temperature and humidity levels. Get a good quality humidity meter from home improvement stores. Ensure your humidity level is at most 50% throughout the day. It can be controlled by using air conditioning or a dehumidifier. Check your meter regularly during the day.
Let sunlight and air in. Exposure to the UV light rays of the sun and good ventilation will keep your home clean from mold spores. However, not all rooms can be controlled. So, keep a closer eye on these areas to keep them dry and, at least, aired with fans and vents.
Keep your home clean and dry. Keep your home clean and dry. When floods occur, Ensure the areas are cleaned, dried, and disinfected within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold germination.
Repair any leaks and other water damage. The best way to keep your home dry and free from old is to fix water damage as soon as possible. Waterproofing concrete walls, floors, and roof, will keep water from leaking into your home.
Fix, remove, or replace soaked belongings. Carpets, upholsteries, and other belongings and fixtures that have been soaked and steeped in moisture must be cleaned and dried as soon as possible.
CONCLUSION
Mold grows fast in wet environments and when its food source is plenty. Your property, belongings, and health are at risk when mold is undetected or neglected. So, take steps fast to prevent costly damages. The best way is to keep your property and belongings dry. When mold colonizes are neutralized, you will reduce the threat of mold on your family’s health. Ensure you are alert and ready, especially in mold seasons. Be ready to call the mold removal experts in Brooklyn, NY, when needed.
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