How Fast Does Mold Grow?
After a water leak mold can grow fast. In fact, it begins to form in just 24-hours after spores attach to a moisture source.
Once this happens, the spores begin to spread and create a colony. Colonies can expand as much as one square inch per day, covering a square foot in a short time.
Mold cannot live unless there is a source of moisture on which it can feed. If this exists, as is the case when building materials and personal items like carpet, drywall, wood, and even clothes become wet, mold can thrive.
Spores float off of the colonies and hang in the air for those who live and work in an infested space to inhale. This, for some, leads to illness ranging in severity from allergy-like symptoms to long-term health issues.
Contacting a professional mold remediation service, like HRS in Denver, can help you remove and clean mold quickly. This is essential to protecting the health and safety of those on your property.
At HRS, our team of certified and highly-trained technicians are ready to assist you as soon as you suspect mold has infested your home or property. Contact us immediately and we will work quickly to bring your space back to its pre-damaged state.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that can vary in color between green, black, white, orange, purple, and gray.
It thrives in areas that are moist, dark, and warm. It requires continuous wetness to survive.
Mold can form quickly after a water breach, becoming visible in as little as 24-hours.
Mold spores, the lightweight matter that floats in the air every day attach to surfaces that are moist, and when conditions are right, expand into colonies.
It is the airborne spores that are inhaled by those living and working in old infected areas. These can cause illness in those who are sensitive to them.
What Causes Mold To Spread?
Mold colonies spread at a rapid pace, which is why it’s so important to address mold as soon as it’s discovered. You might be surprised at how fast can mold grow from water damage.
It begins to grow in just 24-hours and can expand as much as one square inch per day.
Mold spreads when it attaches to a surface that is warm, moist, and in a dark space. Areas of a home susceptible to mold include water-damaged doors and walls, damp drywall, and wet carpet and clothing.
Moisture is the key ingredient for mold expansion in a home.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold requires moisture, darkness, and warmth to grow in a space.
After a water breach, there are many areas of a home where mold can thrive. These include the recessed spaces behind doors, behind tile in bathrooms, behind drywall, and in insulation.
Fabrics of all kinds can be affected by mold, including clothing and furniture.
Hidden Surfaces
Mold can grow fast in houses. This is especially true after a water emergency as there can be hidden areas where moisture remains after areas visible to the naked eye are dried.
If left undried, these areas provide food for expanding mold colonies and can lead to a toxic situation for those living and working in the space.
Softer Surfaces
Surfaces that are porous, like fabric, are susceptible to mold growth when they become moist.
In many cases where there has been a water intrusion, clothing and furniture absorb water and remain moist longer than other, harder surfaces.
This makes them prime mold growing items and one of the first types of property that the certified technicians at HRS inspect when assessing mold in a home.
Rough Surfaces
Hard or rough surfaces can also suffer a mold infection.
This is especially true for hard surfaces that are also porous, like wood.
Any surface that maintains a level of moisture and enough warmth and darkness to protect the mold spores from drying out can be a candidate for the growth of a mold colony.
Wet & Warm Areas
Humid areas and ones that are wet and warm also allow mold to grow and expand.
As moisture is the most essential ingredient for mold growth, these areas are perfect for mold expansion.
HRS technicians ensure that an inspection of all areas of a property including attics, basements, interiors, and exteriors is conducted to identify any areas where mold might be hiding.
Open Areas
Though mold thrives best in areas that are dark and warm, it can also expand in open areas.
The essential element is moisture. If mold has a moist space as a host environment, it is able to grow and even thrive.
Is Mold Dangerous?
Exposure to mold can be dangerous for some people.
For many, exposure to mold will result in mold toxicity symptoms that feel much like those of seasonal allergies. Itchy eyes, headaches, and runny noses are common.
Others, who are more sensitive to mold spores, may suffer more severe illnesses such as asthma, psychological issues, joint pain, and muscle weakness.
Mold related illnesses may vary depending on the sensitivity of the person exposed, the length of the exposure, and the degree of mold infestation.
How Do I Get Rid Of Mold?
When a homeowner suspects mold has developed in their home, it is important that they take quick action to stop the growth and protect the health of those who live and work in the affected space.
Mold remediation professionals, like those at HRS in Denver, first assess the source of moisture and the level of mold growing in a home. Stopping the source of water is the highest priority and the first step in ending a mold issue in a home.
Next, testing allows technicians to determine what type of mold has invaded the home and its level of toxicity.
Cleaning, drying, and disinfecting areas with mold colonies will ensure that the area is ready to be repaired.
Mold restoration begins when our licensed contractors work to repair all salvageable areas and property.
In combination, mold remediation and restoration stop the source of moisture, clean and disinfect to keep mold from returning, and restore a home to its pre-damaged condition.
HRS’s Mold Remediation & Restoration Services
At HRS, our team of trained professionals includes certified mold remediation technicians and licensed restoration contractors.
It is our mission to help homeowners bring their property back to its safe and clean pre-mold danged condition as quickly and efficiently as possible while maintaining our professional level of service.
Mold Inspection & Testing
The first step in mold remediation is the inspection of the affected area and testing of any mold that is found.
Mold can develop fast, and the results of this process allow technicians to determine how much of an area has been infected and what type of mold is growing.
Mold Removal & Remediation
The source of the moisture that is causing mold growth is identified and stopped. This creates an impossible condition for mold to thrive in, and the process of cleaning and disinfecting can begin.
All areas of moisture are discovered using the latest in technology available and any wetness is dried.
Then, our mold removal teams in Denver work to clean and disinfect all interior and exterior spaces that have been affected. In addition, personal items that can be salvaged are taken, cleaned, and disinfected before returning them to the home.
Mold Restoration
Restoration is the final step in the process of bringing your home back to its pre-mold condition.
HRS’s Denver-based licensed contractors and customer service team will work with you and your insurance company to repair any areas of the property that have been damaged by mold growth.
It is our mission to not only offer the highest level of customer service but to repair and restore your property as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Contact HRS Restoration Services Today!
When you have been affected by mold, it is essential that you reach out to professional remediation and restoration services to help you stop the growth and bring your home back to a safe and clean state.
At HRS, our professional disaster restoration specialists in Denver we are there for you when you need help after a mold, water, or trauma emergency.
Contact us today and our team will get started bringing your property back to life.
Always Available
Anytime of day, any day of the year, HRS is here to fix what may seem overwhelming and intimidating. Our professionals in Denver are here to help 24/7.
what is iicrc and Why is it important?
IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Formed nearly 40 years ago, it is a non-profit organization that establishes globally recognized standards for the cleaning and restoration industry, as well as providing certifications, journeyman and master designation, and education.
By choosing a firm with IICRC certified team members, you are assured the cleaning professionals have undergone rigorous training and will handle your disaster restoration with the highest standard of care.
Approach
Helping Our Customers Immediately.
Figuring out what steps to take when disaster strikes can be a daunting task. HRS is here 24/7 to walk you through the process and bring your home or business back to habitable condition(s).
Taking care of emergencies so you don’t have to.
At HRS, we understand the panic that can set in when your basement floods or a fire breaks out at your business. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to repair damage and give you peace of mind.