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How Long Does it Take for Mold to Grow?

By SERVPRO


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  • Mold is an everyday part of life. Although it can never be completely removed from a space (and tends to enter homes and businesses via open windows and doors, on clothing, and even on pets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), you may, understandably, have questions about this pesky growth. While many of us are familiar with the common sign of mold in a property—a dark green or black substance with a sponge-like texture, appearing in moisture-laden areas—it seems like there’s still so much to know. In addition to describing SERVPRO’s mold removal services, this article answers one major question: how long does it take for mold to grow?

    Mold Explained

    Researchers at the CDC define mold as “a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter.” According to the CDC, some notable facts about mold include:

    Time for Mold to Grow

    So, just how long does it take for mold to grow? You may be surprised to learn that mold can take just 48-72 hours to grow. That’s why it is so important to maintain a living environment that does not encourage mold growth, by following the below tips and reviewing further information using the CDC’s mold resources.

    How to Reduce the Chance for Mold Growth

    The CDC offers the following tips to discourage mold growth in your home (this list is not all-encompassing; visit their website, and this helpful PDF, to learn more):

    SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Services

    While you wait for professionals to arrive (and if safe to do so), the CDC indicates you can start removing mold yourself from hard surfaces using soap and water, household products, or a bleach solution.

    • Tip: Ensure you use no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

    SERVPRO offers a seven-step mold remediation process, which includes:

    1. Emergency contact, where your local SERVPRO franchise will gather preliminary information to help identify the scope of loss and help ensure proper personnel and equipment are dispatched.
    2. Inspection and mold damage assessment, where SERVPRO technicians will use various technologies to locate and detect mold and hidden moisture.
    3. Mold containment, where various containment procedures are used to prevent the spread of mold. This may involve use of a negative air chamber to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure. This helps keep mold spores from spreading while cleanup takes place.
    4. Air filtration, where powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums are used to prevent the spread of mold spores by capturing them out of the air; this takes place while remediation occurs.
    5. Removing mold and mold-infested materials, where items like drywall and carpeting may be removed from the premises to remediate heavy growth. Keep in mind, much of this process depends on the amount of growth, and which surfaces the mold has appeared on.  
    6. Cleaning, where contents and belongings are cleaned, as well as furniture, curtains, decorative items, clothing, and other items as needed, that may have been affected by mold. If necessary, SERVPRO technicians will employ odor removal techniques to help ensure the space is fresh and clean.
    7. Restoration, where removal of drywall, subfloor, or other materials may be required depending on the level of damage. Remember, services such as construction and installation of new carpet are always available, to help ensure your property is returned to pre-loss condition.

    SERVPRO is Here for Your Mold Cleanup Needs

    It is no secret mold can be a problem. But with 24/7 availability year-round, there is a SERVPRO franchise nearby, ready to assist with your mold remediation needs. SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained and equipped to deal with a variety of mold damage situations, including assessment, remediation, and restoration. Rest assured, with over 2,200 franchises across the United States and Canada, there is a SERVPRO franchise near you.

    SERVPRO franchise professionals are committed to helping return your property to pre-loss condition, so when you experience mold damage, don’t wait. Your local SERVPRO franchise is ready to serve you and provide additional services as needed, such as construction, water and fire damage, storm damage cleanup, and more. SERVPRO proudly offers services for both residential and commercial spaces and is always Here to Help®. Give us a call, and let us return your property to pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened.”  

    For more information, visit our FAQ and Glossary.

    Sources:

    https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html

    https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mold/testing-remediation/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/whatismold.html

    https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home

    https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-2

    https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-4

    https://www.epa.gov/mold/what-are-molds

    https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf

    https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/mold


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