According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approximately Topic Suggestion50% of homes in the US are affected by mold growth, which poses a high threat to property and human health.
In another study by the National Library of Medicine, indoor mold exposure may increase the risk of asthma development and morbidity. The study stated that 442 children in their first 6 years of life have suffered asthma development mainly caused by exposure to mold in the bathroom, living room, and kitchen.
Since water mold growth has adverse effects, it’s necessary to undergo professional mold remediation, a process for mold removal and prevention.
But before that, let’s understand the concept of water damage, mold, causes, early signs of mold, and how to prevent mold growth.
What is Water Damage Mold?
Water damage mold is a type of mold that specifically occurs when the water is leaked, or the floods are not cleared up properly.
When there is a leakage or flood, it’s important to look for organic materials in your property to check for early signs of mold growth. Look for drywall, plywood, and fiberglass insulation backing that may have absorbed the water.
These materials can easily absorb the water even if they appear dry on the surface.
During the initial stages of growth, mold from water damage appears fuzzy and nearly transparent, but once it is fully developed, dark spots form in the affected areas. These dark spots appear grayish-black in color, but they may also appear green, blue, purple, yellow, or orange in rare cases.
It has a musty, pungent, and earthy smell and often smudges once touched.
It can begin to grow within 24 to 72 hours of water exposure, spreading quickly across these surfaces.
However, to take preventative measures, it’s important to understand the different types of mold caused by water damage.
Types of Mold From Water Damage
1. Aspergillus – It is one of the most frequently found indoor molds. It grows on damp surfaces like walls and insulation. It is black with a texture of white and yellow.
According to the CDC, most people in the US breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases will likely develop health issues and allergies due to Aspergillus.
2. Stachybotrys – These are black molds with a slight shade of dark green. They mostly grow on materials that stay wet for long periods, such as drywall, indoor plumbing areas, and wood.
Its harmful toxins cause sneezing, coughing, and even breathing difficulties.
- Cladosporium – It often appears as dark green, brown, or black spots on damp wood, carpets, and fabrics and can cause asthma-like symptoms.
- Alternaria – It is known as outdoor molds that can enter the home or building with the wind. They range from olive green to gray color and mostly appear like hair growth on carpets, curtains, and crawl spaces.
- Penicillium – It’s a fuzzy mold of white, green, and blue shade. It grows rapidly on water-damaged items like carpets, wallpaper, and insulation.
- Fusarium – It grows in colder areas of the home. It appears pink, white, or reddish and causes respiratory infections and skin allergies.
Causes of Water Damage and Mold Growth
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Water Damage Causes |
Mold Growth Causes |
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Leakage or Bursting Pipes |
Poor Ventilation |
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Roof Leaks |
Flooding |
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Appliance Malfunctions |
High Humidity Levels |
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Clogged Gutters or Drains |
Moisture and Water Leaks |
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Natural Disasters |
Wet or Damp Materials |
Before learning the expert tips for water damage and mold remediation, let’s learn about the early signs of water damage and mold issues.
Signs of Water Damage and Mold Issues
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Signs of Water Damage |
Signs of Mold Issues |
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Stains and Discoloration |
Musty Odor |
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Peeling or Bubbling Paint |
Allergic Symptoms |
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Swollen Walls or Ceilings |
Visible Discoloration |
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Damp or Water Spots |
Condensation or Humidity |
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Warped or Buckled Floors |
Water Stains |
How to Remove Mold Caused by Water Damage?
Removing the mold caused by water damage is important for a healthy home and preventing further issues. Here is a step-by-step expert tips for water damage and mold remediation.
Tips for Mold Removal and Prevention Caused by Water Damage
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Reduce the humidity
Mold grows mainly in damp conditions, so it’s important to look for ways to reduce the humidity to prevent further issues. Invest in a dehumidifier to help manage and reduce indoor humidity.
Keep humidity below 60% to prevent mold from germinating and spreading.
Place the dehumidifier in the most affected areas, such as basements and other damp spaces, and continue to use it until the entire flood restoration process is finished.
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Ventalize the affected area
Open the doors and windows only if the outdoor humidity is low. Keep them open during the day to allow fresh air to enter the room, and close them at night.
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Remove all the wet materials
Immediately remove all the soaked materials like ceiling tiles, fabrics, papers, and insulations.
If you see mold on nonporous materials, ask for professional help with mold remediation procedures. If mold has occurred on porous objects, then it’s recommended that they be completely disposed of.
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Disinfect the affected area
Clean nonporous surfaces like tile, metal, and glass with a standard disinfecting cleaner. This helps eliminate the bacteria and mold growth.
After thoroughly drying porous surfaces such as wood, drywall, or fabric that have absorbed moisture, it’s important to use specialized mold prevention solutions like Concrobium. These solutions help prevent mold spores from settling and growing.
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Go for carpet extraction
Use a carpet extractor or wet/dry vacuum to remove the water from it. This helps reduce moisture and prevent mold growth.
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Removing the affected flooring
If the flooring pads are damaged by water, they should be removed and replaced with new ones.
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Isolating the moldy objects
If you cannot take timely action for mold removal due to certain reasons, then isolate the moldy objects by sealing them in trash bags.
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Important Tips: Do not try to clean the affected area alone, as it can cause severe allergic reactions. Look for professional mold prevention and control service providers for the best course of action. |
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Turning off the fans, ACs, and heating systems.
Though some say that it’s important to turn on the ceiling or table fans to dry up the area, but it often leads to the spreading of mold spores throughout the house.
Excess coolness or heat can hamper the drying process, so it’s recommended that ACs and heating systems be turned off.
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Drain the water
Use the plastic buckets to remove the excess water clogged due to floods. You can also use a wet-dry vacuum, which can easily pump out 5 to 10 gallons of water per minute.
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Use towels to dry floors and furniture
Dry towels and rags can easily remove the excess moisture caused by water damage. Even if there is no damage, it is recommended to clean the bathroom tiles and floor regularly to prevent further damage.
Hiring Mold Remediation Services
Sometimes, in the worst cases, like
Case 1: If the mold growth covers an area of more than 10 square feet.
Case 2: If mold grows in hidden areas like behind the walls, under floors, or in HVAC systems.
Case 3: If you have health concerns like asthma, bronchitis, allergies, and other respiratory health issues.
Case 4: If there is a severe water damage
Case 5: If the mold growth re-occurs.
It’s important to seek professional help for mold removal.
At times, you can contact Above & Beyond, a water damage restoration company in New Jersey.
Established in 1988, we have been providing 24-hour emergency services for mold inspection and removal in the entire tri-state region.
How Our Professional Mold Remediation Services Work?
We follow a structured process for removing and preventing mold growth.
Initially, our team of two dozen proficient employees and ten trucks inspected the affected area to identify the extent of the mold growth and the source of moisture causing it.
Once identified, we seal off the affected area to avoid spreading the damage to other home areas.
Next, our MICRO CMI & CMRC, ESA, and IICRC-certified expert technicians use equipment like air scrubbers and vacuums to clean the air and remove mold spores.
Sometimes, the affected areas, such as drywall, carpeting, or insulation, must be replaced or disposed of.
After mold removal, the moisture source is properly cleaned, sanitized, and restored to the original safe condition.
Conclusion
Mold growth caused by water damage can cause severe health issues and property damage if not removed on time.
So, to tackle the mold issues, it’s important to follow certain corrective measures and seek professional help for timely action.
With this detailed guide, you can handle the damage and take preventive actions to prevent mold growth.
For professional help, you can contact us. We not only deal with mold redemption but also provide services for virus disinfection and sanitization.
After all, who doesn’t want to remain safe and protected from such damage?