How fast does mold grow after a storm in Columbia SC?
In Columbia, South Carolina the time it takes for mold to grow after a storm can be affected by many factors, including the humidity of the home. In the right conditions the mold spores can begin to be colonized in 24 to 48 hours. The majority of symptoms can be identified within a few hours. However some homeowners might not be able to identify them for 18 to 21 days. Mold spores are tiny invisible organisms that spread through water and other sources of moisture.The best way to prevent mold growth following the storm is to get the area as dry as possible. In the first 48 hours following an event, the moisture of the rain may begin to form colonies and continue to expand in the event that the area is still damp. Mold can develop on a variety of kinds of materials, such as ceiling tiles, wood, cardboard, and insulation. It can also grow in drywall and paints.
Homeowners should begin to clean their homes within the first few days following the storm. They should wash the affected areas prior to starting the cleaning process. They should also get rid of any porous materials. If the homeowner is not able or unwilling to make an insurance claim immediately it is possible that they will need to move their belongings to the outside until they can file their claims.
The effects of hurricanes in Columbia SC can be massive of water damage and mold. If a hurricane strikes the coastline, the damage can be immense, and many homes could suffer massive water damage. If the water in a house is not properly cleaned, it could cause serious health issues. People who suffer from respiratory allergies or problems are especially susceptible to mold. It is essential to act fast before mold begins to spread.
Mold growth takes time depending on how long the dirty water has been left in a home. While this period of time can range from a few days to several weeks, 48 hours could be enough to encourage the growth of mold. Proper cleaning and repairs can help delay the process of growth.
Once mold spores hit moisture-rich surfaces and begin to grow and spread. Within a day the black mold can take over a square inch of a home. The rate of spread can become out of control as more colonies are formed. There are ways to cut down the spread rate by half.
First call your Columbia SC insurance company and request an inspection. They can arrange for a licensed professional to inspect the property. It's then crucial to make sure your property is properly dried and ventilated. During this process it is essential to use fans to keep the structure dry.
While mold isn't usually visible in homes, it can still be present following an event. A mold remediator can be hired in these cases to remove the contaminants. A remediator can assess whether there is any mold in the home by inspecting the ductwork as well as the structure underneath. After cleaning, the remediator will sanitize the surfaces to prepare the home for re-building.
