The spots on the sheetrock next to the smoke detector are mold. Some molds can begin to grow within 24 hours of moisture being present, while other types may take 7–10 days before they really take off. When we see this amount of discoloration on the walls and ceilings, there is certainly a need for microbial remediation.

The reason there are different colors on the sheetrock is due to water. When water presents itself on most construction materials, it often leaves a residue or water mark as it dries. This is one way we can identify potential problems or past water issues when trying to determine what’s going on.