When a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to make sure that the home/business is properly dried.  This is essential to refrain from sustaining secondary damages like mold growth which can quickly begin in the right circumstances.  When water damage occurs and is not properly addresses secondary damages can begin in as little as 48 hours. 

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm#help

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

This unused building was found in rough shape after a cold night and a couple warm days to follow.  The furnace expelled some steam from a broken pipe which led to significant water damage as well as some abnormal growth.  The building is not monitored on a daily basis so the issue went unnoticed for a couple days.