A lot of people ask me how long it takes for mold to grow after a recent incident with water. First of all, let me say that I have never worked in a house that didn't have mold somewhere. Mold is a microorganism that is found everywhere. It can grow in just about anything as long as there is enough moisture. Inside the house, mold grows quickly on damp surfaces, such as bathroom walls and moldings around windows.
Mold may look like hairs, black spots, or specks of black, white, orange, green, or brown. If a water leak isn't well cleaned and dry, mold can start growing as soon as two days after the water leak. Once it starts to grow, it travels to other areas through the wind stream. Once it lands on another surface, it will start growing there and the cycle will continue. Mold requires a food source, the right temperature, and most of all, it needs moisture.
The recent rain may have something to do with it. Most mold problems come from leaking areas, such as windows or pipes. In addition, leaks in ceilings and floors that don't dry out can cause the problem. Humid vapor passes through walls and ceilings and condenses on the surface during winter.
In the short term, I would start by buying or renting a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. You should also run a few fans to help evaporate some of the moisture. Start cleaning the affected areas with a mold remover. Be sure to wear a mask.
Once all of that is done, I'll focus on the areas where the surface is peeling. I would say that those are spots that have been very humid for a long period of time. I'm not sure the answer is to start tearing down walls and building new pipes. However, that will depend on what the source of the excess moisture actually is. If you're remodeling, consider using priming paint, putty, and finish that's resistant to mold.
You can even opt for a mold-resistant sealant. Try to clean and dry areas exposed to water within 48 hours to help prevent mold growth. After cleaning and drying, remain sensitive to musty odors in the affected area. While you may think that you can dry water-damaged areas yourself using dry/wet water fans and vacuums, we've found that most homeowners never completely dry out water-damaged areas.
If water damage is the result of a storm surge or a dripping faucet, when water is trapped behind walls or panels, the elements necessary for mold formation are most likely present. Watch for visual signs, such as water stains on walls or ceiling, as this indicates a possible source of water. If your home has been seriously damaged by water, mold will grow on the walls if the water isn't removed within 24 to 48 hours. The bright side is that sometimes repairing water damage or removing mold provides homeowners with an opportunity to redecorate or replace outdated walls or floors.
