How fast mold grows depends on several things. Mold needs moisture to grow, so if there is a lot of humidity that is found in a particular room, then mold will grow faster. Once mold has found an ideal place to survive, it can start multiplying within 24 to 48 hours. These mold spores will begin to spread beyond the original point in 1 to 12 days. Mold growth also depends on what surface it is growing on. Wood is one of the easiest surfaces for mold to multiply on, because of it can retain moisture well, and it gives the mold something to eat to get the nutrients it needs to survive.
A one-time incident of water damage may give mold something to start with, but without the continuous moisture, the mold may not grow anymore and can possibly die off altogether. Black mold in particular can take longer to grow then many other kinds of molds, but as long as mold has the right environment to grow in it will continue to grow and may cause many different health problems. If a damp area is dried out within 48 hours, chances are the mold will not grow to be a problem.
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I had a puncture in a PVC piece of our hot water line, letting steam escape in an increasing amount. By the time I realized there was a problem, the crawlspace underneath the home was like a sauna! Mold had settled on wood and gyprock alike.
I was questioned when I had last been in the crawlspace, which I could not answer for sure, but it had been about 6 month.Is it possible that during that time span mold can take over a large area? Is there any specific information you can offer???????