After 2020’s busy hurricane season, we have seen a larger than normal demand for water damage restoration and mold and mildew damage from a water leak. We answered a lot of your questions in our blog “What to Do When Your Home is Damaged by Water, Fire, Storm, Flood or Mold?”. Here are some answers regarding the most frequently asked questions about mold from a water leak that we receive.
Can mold grow after the leak is fixed?
Mold can grow on almost anything if there is enough moisture. Mold grows rapidly on damp surfaces like bathroom walls and trim around windows in a home. Under ideal conditions, mold will grow the first 24 to 48 hours after a water leak. Carpets get moldy very quickly.
How do you treat mold from water damage?
For a small amount of mold, you can possibly remove it yourself. Try scrubbing with detergent and water. Then, let the surface dry completely. As an alternative, you can also use a 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water (a stronger bleach solution will not give better results) solution. Then, brush or spray on the solution. Let it sit for ten minutes. Then rinse it off and let it dry. If this method does not work, call in a professional mold restoration company to deal with the problem.
Is it mold or water damage?
Are you working if you have mold or just water damage? Minor water damage may look like water spots or can involve something much more catastrophic as flooding and property loss. Mold develops when too much moisture forms colonies that appear as fluffy and hairy patches and spots. Green, white, and black are the most common colors of mold.
Will mold die if it dries out?
Mold typically does not dry out and die. It remains inactive for a while if moisture is not available. When any source of moisture is introduced, the mold can still grow back and multiply. Contact a professional mold remediation and moisture control expert to remove the mold.
How much time does it take to dry out water damage?
Typically, it can take between 12 and 72 hours to completely dry water damage. There are many factors that impact how much time it takes for water damage to dry. The size of the area damaged is one main factor. A larger area of water damage will take longer to dry than a smaller area.
Can mold from water damage make you sick?
Mold growing in your home can make you sick in some cases, especially if you have asthma or allergies. Even if you are not allergic to molds, exposure to mold can irritate your skin, nose, eyes, throat, and lungs.
How likely will mold develop after water damage?
The likelihood of mildew and mold developing after water damage is great. Usually, it occurs within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Unfortunately, mold will continue to grow until the source of moisture is found, and effectively dealt with. Call a mold and mildew remediation specialist asap.
Does a water stain on the ceiling indicate mold?
Water stains are a strong indication that you have a water problem. A water leak combined with high moisture makes it possible for future mold growth. Any irregular stains on walls, ceilings, etc. are also an indication of mold growth.
It is common for water to run along piping or rafters before leaking onto your ceiling which can hide the true source of the water problem. Signs of mold from water damage can be musty odors, peeling ceiling, or wall surfaces.
Is mold dangerous if not disturbed?
If you disturb toxic black mold, it can cause a lot of toxic spores to enter the air in your home. This is why it is extremely crucial that you do not disturb or try to remove toxic black mold if you find it in your home. Contact a professional mold restoration company to handle toxic mold.
Can a water leak cause black mold?
The sudden appearance of black mold after a substantial water leak in your home is an urgent matter to deal with. Black mold is difficult to fully remove and detrimental to a person and pet’s health. Black mold grows in humid, damp areas. A water leak trapped behind a wall creates the perfect environment for black mold to flourish.
What if mold is behind drywall?
Mold growing behind walls can cause major damage to a home’s walls, wood, and beams due to rotting. If the mold goes unnoticed for a while, the mold starts feeding on the wood by making it rot. This can make your home’s structure weak.
Should you replace drywall if it gets wet?
Drywall that has been damaged by water most of the time needs to be removed and replaced. Wet flooring can move upwards into the drywall and inside wall cavities. So it’s necessary to remove baseboards to check. If your home’s drywall is soft or distorted, it will definitely need drying and probably replacement.
How do I dry out after a water leak?
Here are some steps to dry out water damage in your home from a leak or storm.
- Move air naturally.
- Move air mechanically.
- Dehumidify the air.
- Pump water
- Wet/DryShop Vacuum the area.
- Remove Sodden Objects.
- Freeze Papers.
- Absorb Moisture.
If you suspect any signs of mold from a recent leak or storm, contact Synergy Property Restoration’s emergency response team at 727-287-6320, and we will find the right emergency response solution for you and your property.