How Fast Can Mold Develop? Sooner Than You Think—And Why Waiting Is a Costly Mistake


Whether you’re dealing with small amounts of moisture or humidity, or you’ve just faced a big event like flooding or leaking, mold is always a concern. But how fast can mold develop? And how long can you wait before you enlist professionals to help? 

At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we know that the last thing you want to deal with is mold. It may be tempting to wait and see what happens, hoping the problem will just go away. But in reality, waiting is the last thing you should do when mold is a potential concern. It could lead to more extensive damage, which in turn can add to both the cost and the stress of repairs.

How Fast Can Mold Develop?  

Very tiny amounts of mold are everywhere, indoors and outdoors. You may find it on food that’s going bad. Microscopic spores are often airborne. But it’s when mold takes root inside your property that it becomes a problem. 

Mold doesn’t need much to survive, or to thrive. In fact, it only needs water and food sources. Organic materials can be a great source of food for mold, and even dust is enough to feed it. For homeowners and businesses, controlling moisture sources is the key to reducing the likelihood of mold growth. That’s where water damage events can be a serious problem. 

When moisture builds up inside a space, mold could appear in as little as 24 hours. You likely won’t notice at first, because mold growth is microscopic. It’s only when mold is thriving in colonies that it appears visible to the unaided human eye.  

Surprised by how fast mold can develop? Let’s take a look at a few more details you should know. 

Why A Proactive Approach to Mold Is Important

3 Costs Associated with Mold Problems 

There’s a reason that mold has a reputation for being costly to deal with. It’s not just about how fast mold can develop—it’s also about the damage it causes, and the difficulties in effective removal. For homeowners and businesses, it’s important to know these three costs that go hand-in-hand with mold issues: 

  • Cosmetic and structural repair. One of the biggest problems related to mold is the potential damage to your property. That’s not just limited to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Once mold starts growing, it can easily reach beneath surfaces and cause structural damage. 
  • Health concerns. Mold is associated with a wide range of health concerns, especially for those with allergies, respiratory illnesses, or who are otherwise immunocompromised. For others, the presence of mold in a space can also result in discomfort or issues like congestion or eye irritation.
  • Treating widespread growth. The longer you wait to address mold, the more extensively it can spread. It’s one of the biggest reasons we recommend swift professional mold removal. Without it, even seemingly extensive DIY treatments can easily overlook growth, allowing mold to continue flourishing in your home. 

Mold Removal From Your Experts at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE

At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we know that mold is a serious issue for any homeowner or business owner. Whether there’s visible evidence of mold or you’re concerned about potential growth after a water damage event, we can step in to help: 

  • We assess damaged areas. Our technicians will come to your property to discuss your concerns and assess the extent of damage. 
  • We create a personalized plan. Based on our initial assessment, we can formulate a targeted action plan for mold and related issues. 
  • We remove any lingering moisture or water buildup. Using state-of-the-art equipment, we can dry up affected areas and remove standing water
  • We address mold and odors. Our team will use responsive strategies to comprehensively treat mold and odors within a space. 
  • We’ll handle repairs. You can trust 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to handle cosmetic and structural repairs, to help restore your property to its pre-mold state.  

Mold Can Develop Fast—And You’ll Want to Stop It Right Away

When you’re concerned about moisture buildup, or worried about how fast mold can develop, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is here for you. Simply contact us today to get started with mold removal services.