The Dangers of Mold Growth After Water Damage and How to Address Them

4/25/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to a host of problems, with one of the most significant being mold growth. Mold thrives in damp environments and can quickly spread throughout your home, posing serious health risks and causing structural damage. It's crucial to address mold growth promptly and effectively after water damage occurs. In this article, we will explore the dangers of mold growth, the potential health hazards it presents, and practical steps to address and prevent mold issues.

1. Identifying Mold Growth:

Signs of mold growth include a musty odor, visible mold patches, and discoloration on walls or ceilings. However, mold can also hide behind walls or beneath flooring, making it essential to seek professional help, such as SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson, for a comprehensive assessment.

2. Effective Water Damage Restoration:

Addressing water damage promptly is crucial in preventing mold growth. SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson specializes in water damage restoration, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques to extract water, thoroughly dry the affected areas, and prevent further mold proliferation.

3. Professional Mold Remediation:

If mold growth has already occurred, it's important to consult professionals like SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson for safe and effective mold remediation. Their experienced technicians can safely remove mold, clean contaminated areas, and restore your home to a healthy environment.

4. Controlling Moisture Levels:

Preventing mold growth requires controlling moisture levels in your home. This includes promptly repairing any leaks, improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation.

5. Proper Ventilation and Air Circulation:

Proper airflow and ventilation can help prevent excessive humidity, which contributes to mold growth. Open windows, use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and consider the use of air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.

6. Regular Inspections and Maintenance:

Perform regular inspections of your home, paying attention to areas prone to water damage, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Address any issues promptly, and consider professional inspections, especially after significant water events like floods or leaks.

The dangers of mold growth after water damage are real and should not be taken lightly. Swift action, such as effective water damage restoration and professional mold remediation, is essential to mitigate health risks and prevent further damage to your home. Partnering with professionals like SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson ensures expert guidance and comprehensive solutions to tackle mold growth effectively. By taking preventive measures, controlling moisture levels, and maintaining proper ventilation, you can safeguard your home from the hazards of mold growth and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

Untreated Water Leaks will Cause Mold

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Growth from a Slow Leaking Water Heater

If you already know that you have had a water leak (such as leaking pipes or a leaking ceiling) then just that knowledge by itself, even if you don't see signs of water damage, is a good sign that you might have mold growing in your house around the area where the leak was. Untreated water damage can cause big threats to your home. 

Mold growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then any mold will probably be hidden behind the surface too. Even if the leak was not behind a surface there could still be mold hidden out of view behind a wall or other surface from water, which seeped through. It may be a week or two before it grows to the extent that it is visible to the naked eye as spots on drywall or carpet pads. Of course, mold being a living organism with its own agenda is not going to follow what is said in this blog thus there will be exceptions. Many times, a person will think that moisture was removed when in fact enough moisture was left behind to allow mold to start growing.

If a minor amount of moisture is lingering inside the wall cavities, behind the baseboards, in the carpet, or under the carpet padding it will likely be weeks before it all dries up, by that time the mold starts forming as visible sports on your walls.

Smelling a Mold Odor

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

When you have mold growing hidden away in your house, often a moldy smell might be the only clue that it's there. Don't ignore mold odors if you can't see any mold. You should thoroughly inspect your home before any mold problems get worse.

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson Professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent. Let the experts at SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson identify if you do in fact have a mold problem and remove it to like new conditions. Remember “Like it never even happened.”

Mold Hazards

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

A/C Unit Covered with Mold

A water-damaged property requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold explosion. Molds produce spores which spread easily through the air, and they form new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions: moisture, nutrients (nearly anything organic) and a place to grow.

If you see mold growth, even if it's only small, you should take action immediately. Small mold patches can spread and the fact that there is any mold shows that the conditions in your home are right for mold to grow. If you don't take care of mold it will soon become a bigger problem. Visible mold growth could also be a sign that there is a much larger mold colony growing hidden away from view.

Mold can damage materials and health. The longer mold is allowed to grow, the greater the risk and the harder the cleanup. So as soon as the floodwaters recede and it is safe to return, don’t delay cleanup and drying.

Call SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson at 409-762-4411

Does Your Home Have a Mold Problem?

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Mold affected areas.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and 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 can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Galveston Island/Lake Jackson specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

There Could be Mold in Your Home if You Have Had a Leak

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a water leak there is a good chance that you have mold growing in your home around the area where the leak occurred. It is important to remember that even condensation can cause mold to grow in humid climates. 

Mold growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then any mold will probably be hidden behind the surface too. Even if the leak was not behind a surface there could still be mold hidden out of view behind a wall or other surface from water which seeped through. 

Often mold is found in air vents, behind sheet rock, under flooring and in insulation. Many times, when mold is present in these places the homeowner is not aware that they are living with the potentially hazardous toxin. If you suspect there could be mold in your home call SERVPRO of Galveston Island / Lake Jackson.