RATE OF MOLD GROWTH

Mold takes about 1 or 2 days to grow. They take about 14 days to establish a colony and less than 21 days to be visible to the human eye. Their growth rate highly depends on the conditions they are under, whether it is optimal or not.

These conditions include the type of surface, ambient temperature, and level of humidity. Considering this data and black mold growth rate, there is a 98% chance of black mold growth in Newhallor any form of mold growth in a home immediately after a flood.

SIGNS OF MOLD EXPOSURE

After mold exposure, there can be medical signs such as irregular breathing, asthmatic attacks, nasal congestion, skin rashes, sneezing, etc.

The truth remains that mold allergies and mold poisoning have been triggers for underlying severe health issues in the past. If it is not quickly addressed, it becomes a big issue.

STAGES OF MOLD GROWTH

Like every other living thing, mold grows in stages, and to curb this growth, we must pay serious attention to each step. The stages of mold growth are:

The sporulation
The germination stage
Growth stage
Reproductive stage

In the sporulation stage, mold swells up and bursts out like a punctured balloon, thereby spreading thread-like hyphae on surfaces. Since molds do not have the liberty to choose the surface they’ll land on, they adapt and survive on nearly all surfaces. The hyphae may then remain dormant for as long as possible until the condition is suitable.

The germination stage starts immediately after the optimal condition is met. The previously inactive mold spores become active and try to establish their hyphae.

During the growth stage, the spores absorb moisture and nutrients, then establish themselves by spreading to form a colony of many mycelia. At this stage, the mold colony is gradually becoming visible.

The reproductive stage of mold growth is all about the multiplication of the mold colonies. Typically, mold will keep multiplying until there is a deficiency in nutrients, substrate, or optimal conditions if the condition is right.

HOW TO MEASURE MOLD GROWTH

Detecting molds or measuring mold in Newhallgrowth is done by professionals. However, measuring it depends on:

Surface water activity
Wet duration
Relative air humidity

Our company has a measurement system that measures humidity and moisture, which makes mold testing effortless. It provides accurate values and helps pinpoint where mold is likely a problem especially after a flood.

When detecting or measuring the rate of mold growth, relative humidity should not pass 80%. The wet duration is estimated between 0.1 and 1.0. However, the optimal wet condition for mold falls in the range of 0.7 and 0.9. At this point, mold is already lurking somewhere.

Optimal temperature conditions for mold growth fall below room temperature. However, it doesn’t mean mold cannot grow at room temperature. There are spots and corners in the home, like under the rug or behind the fridge, that forms their temperature structures where mold thrives.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE BEST FOR MOLD GROWTH?

The following are ideal conditions for mold growth:

Optimal mold growth temperature is between 70°F and 90°F, though growth will occur regardless between 40°F and 100°F
Any carbon-containing/organic surface is okay for mold growth
A damp, moist environment greatly supports the development of molds

The extent of water damage and mold growth cannot be separated regarding flooding and water issues.