A small or unnoticed leak or a burst pipe in your home can feel like a small inconvenience, but it can quickly become a much more serious issue – mold. When water damage isn’t quickly addressed, it creates the perfect environment for mold to take hold, posing significant health and safety risks. Understanding the timeline of how water damage leads to mold is a must for homeowners.

The Health Risks of Mold

Mold is a serious threat to your home’s air quality and the health of your home’s inhabitants. Mold exposure can lead to a variety of health concerns, including allergic reactions and asthma attacks to even more serious respiratory issues. More dangerous types of mold, often called black mold, can produce mycotoxins, which pose an even greater risk. The earthy smell of mold often indicates that mold spores are already being inhaled. If you or family members are experiencing unexplained coughing, sneezing, skin irritation or runny noses, it might be a sign of hidden mold.

The Timeline of Mold Growth

The moment water touches a porous surface (like drywall, wood, insulation), the countdown to mold starts ticking.

• The First 24-48 Hours:
  Mold spores begin to land on the wet surface. Germination begins, and the spores begin to form microscopic colonies. There won’t be visible signs of mold yet, but the infestation process has begun.
• The Next 3-7 Days:
  As the mold colonies grow, they become visible to the naked eye. Small, fuzzy spots or discoloration might be able to be seen on walls, ceilings, or even fabric. A musty odor will become more pronounced. 
• 7+ Days:
  If the water source is not fixed and the area is not professionally dried, the mold will begin to spread rapidly. It can get deep into materials, moving from the surface of drywall to the framing behind the wall. At this point, the problem becomes more than a small cleanup – it has become a widespread infestation that requires a comprehensive remediation plan.

Recognizing the Signs of a Mold Problem

Early detection is key to preventing a minor issue from becoming a major one. Look for these signs of water damage and potential mold growth:

• A persistent musty odor that smells like wet soil
• Staining or discoloration on walls, ceilings or floors
• Peeling, bubbling or cracking paint or wall paper
• A spike in your family’s allergy symptoms without clear cause

Finding a Mold Remeditation Solution

It’s important not to wait until the problem gets out of control. If you suspect water damage or mold, taking immediate action is essential. Contact a professional mold remediation service like Above Board to effectively address the issue at the source.

Above Board specializes in professional mold remediation. Our experienced technicians will not only safely remove any existing mold but will also identify the source of the water damage and fix it to prevent a recurrence. We contain the affected area to prevent the spread of spores and then use professional-grade equipment to thoroughly clean and dry the space. 

Don’t let a hidden leak threaten your family’s health and the safety of your home. Contact Above Board today to schedule an inspection and take control of the situation.

Call us today at (630) 973-6099 to schedule an inspection.