The Timeline of Mold Growth on Water-Damaged Drywall That being said, if moisture isn't addressed within 24 hours after water damage has occurred, then mold will most likely begin to grow. Mold grows best in warm, dark areas with high levels of humidity and a food source (in this case cellulose).
If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced. Mold on drywall can indicate a deeper problem in the stud space behind your wall since it can penetrate the surface. In this case, you'll need to cut it out and replace the drywall in the affected and surrounding areas.
Because standard drywall has a paper face, when it gets wet it stays wet for a long time. The threat of mold will vary depending on the amount of moisture in and around your home, but almost any home with areas prone to moisture can benefit from mold-resistant drywall in key areas.
Adequate ventilation, proper drainage, solid surfaces, and proper cleaning are essential. If you do replace standard drywall in your bathroom, use a paperless board like DensArmor or USG Glass-Mat. Also, use National Gypsum's mold resistant joint compound. Mold will grow on standard drywall mud.
Given the proper conditions, mold will start to germinate and grow as early as 24 hours after encountering the moisture source. In 3 to 12 days, the mold spores will colonize. In 18-21 days, the mold can become visible. In general, the longer that moisture is present, the greater the chance for mold to grow and spread.
Your sense of smell is the first line of defense against mold. You can often smell mold before you can see it. If you notice a musty smell in your home, there's a good chance you have mold. If you think you have a mold problem, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets.
What's the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant. PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance.
Depending on the area you can use a sponge, cloth, paint brush or roller, pump sprayer or cold fogger to evenly wet the surface. What if mold is growing behind the wall? You will need to remove the drywall or create/find an opening to treat the affected area. The solution will not penetrate a solid barrier.
Use a dehumidifier to help control moisture levels. You can use insulation to prevent condensation on cold surfaces. Regularly clean, especially in hard-to-reach and hidden areas. Consider using mould-resistant paint or wallpaper.
A common differentiating factor between mold and mildew is color. While mold can appear black, grey, green, brown, and occasionally red, mildew usually presents as white in its early stages, and brown or black when it ages. Structure and pattern are another way to tell mold and mildew apart.
Standard drywall consists of gypsum sandwiched between sheets of paper. Unfortunately, when exposed to a lot of moisture, the organic material in the paper can serve as a growth medium for mold. That makes standard drywall a poor choice for bathrooms, where humidity is high.
KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW† Primer is a water based primer-sealer-stainblocker that is specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms and laundry rooms.
According to the EPA, homeowners can remove mold on drywall under 10 square feet, but larger areas may require professional assistance.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Mold issues in the shower surround can be broken into two broad categories – surface mold growth and mold behind the surround. Surface mold growth is unsightly and can be difficult to remove. However, it's the moisture hidden in the framing behind the shower that can lead to structural damage and expensive repairs.
Mold behind drywall can be very harmful to our health. Black mold is especially dangerous because of its severe effects. It can cause serious respiratory problems. People who breathe in mold spores often get respiratory infections.
The chief innovation in mold-resistant drywall is the substitution of fiberglass mat for the paper facing used in traditional drywall. This way, moisture cannot adhere to the organic paper material, creating an attractive food source for mold.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
phasing out greenboard
This relatively new addition to the drywall market is gradually replacing green board because it's suited to the same tasks but even more water- and moisture-resistant than green board. Paperless drywall consists of a water-resistant gypsum core and a fiberglass (rather than paper) backing.
Use a material other than paper for the outer layer on the drywall panels. This form of mold-resistant drywall typically uses fiberglass mesh instead of paper for the facing and backing. Because fiberglass is a non-organic material, mold has no food source necessary to colonize.
It varies in thickness:
Know that drywall comes in various sizes and thicknesses according to its use. The one notable difference between ceiling and regular drywall lies in how thick they are. Know that your roof will require more density to meet its needs.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
It also grows well in dark, damp spaces, so it's often found in kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, basements, and crawlspaces. Now, not all mold is worrisome. And since virtually every home has trace amounts of mold growing, it's nearly impossible to avoid buying a mold-free house.