Mold is particularly crafty, having the potential to grow in any number of environments. Unfortunately for us, those environments tend to be places that we don’t go to very often. 

Your dark basement, spaces beneath the floorboards, the attic of your old shed, and other damp places are among the areas where mold might grow. If you’re on top of things, though, you can prevent mold or at least give it a good fight. That said, how long does it take for mold to grow? 

We’re going to take a look at this question today, exploring mold’s growing conditions and how long it takes for it to take hold. Let’s get started. 

How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow? 

A standard answer to this question is anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. That timeframe applies to most situations where mold might grow. 

There are a number of situations where mold might take shorter or longer to grow, however. The key thing to think about is the condition of the area in which it’s growing and the extent of the water damage therein. 

Mold doesn’t typically grow in areas that aren’t affected by water damage.  Even if you wouldn’t consider something “water damage,” it still contributes to mold if it produces a damp or wet environment. This is particularly true if the environment is warm as well. 

Mold is much more likely to grow in a damp, warm environment. If the conditions are perfect and there isn’t any ventilation in the area, there’s a chance that your mold situation could take hold in less than 12 hours. 

What Can You Do About Water Damage Mold?

The first thing to do is to become aware of the water damage when it starts. This is the hard part. 

Just take stock of your home and make sure you check vulnerable areas on a regular basis. Specifically, look to the vulnerable parts of your home after it rains or if there’s any type of excess water usage. It’s also smart to have your plumber look through your piping and fix any small leaks or drips. 

Plumbing issues are extremely common, and they produce the kind of environments that mold loves to live in. When you’re working through your home and you discover mold, though, you have to take action. 

It’s scary to see, and you might wonder how much damage the mold will do. The smartest thing to do is to call the professionals right away and have them take care of it. You might be able to do some small work on your own, but the only way to truly rid your home of mold is to work with those who are trained to do so. 

Do You Have Mold After Water Damage? 

So, how long does it take for mold to grow? It could be anywhere from 12 to 48 hours depending on the conditions of your home. There’s more to learn, though. 

We’re here to help. Contact us to get help if you’re experiencing mold damage or need some insight into how you can move forward with repairs.