How Long Does It Take for Mold to Grow in Wet Drywall?

Mold spores are present everywhere in the environment, they start developing as soon as the right conditions are made available for its growth and multiplication. Drywall being extremely porous, is pretty sensitive to water-induced damage. Even a small exposure to water can result in severe stains on the wall.

So, Does wet drywall always mold? Well, Once drywall comes in contact with water, there is only a tiny timeframe available to salvage it before the mold or mildew begins to set in the wall. Some mold spores can germinate after just 12 hours of drywall being in wet conditions.

How to prevent mold?

The only way to prevent mold infestation in drywall following a water damage incident is to dry it within 48 hours after water intrusion. The 48-72 hour window is critical to prevent mold growth as it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Once fungus gets a hold on a drywall surface, it can be the breeding ground for thousands of spores and quickly spread in the air around the wall with every passing hour.

Moisture trapped in drywall can deteriorate and make the drywall bulge out, crack, or break down. You can buy more time and curb the water exposure by using bleach or mold/mildew detergent, which can slow down the mold development of the drywall.

Depending on the type of spore, it may take 1 to 12 days for them to colonize, which makes the environment around the wall unsafe. The spore colonies might not be visible initially because of its microscopic nature, but in 20-21 days, mold is visible on the drywall.

It is also beneficial to employ water restoration experts to evaporate moisture from the air and affected materials and pump it out of your house. Mold formations of the drywall can be slowed or stopped by faster drying and decreased humidity in the air, which will reduce the probability of costly repair and health problems due to fungal contamination.

If you do happen to suspect water damage in your home, Pacific Flood Restoration is available 24/7 at pacificflood.com 760-815-3033. Give us a call today to schedule a free inspection!