The Facts About Water Damage and Mold

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Highly trained specialists are ready to respond quickly to your water damage emergency. SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715

Water damage can be a costly mess and it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors. It may even be in areas that are not visible, in ductwork, attics and crawl spaces.  In these hidden areas you might not notice it. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present. Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems, so it's important to deal with it quickly.

How do I identify a mold problem?

Check the air and surfaces in the area. If you notice a musty smell, then you have a mold problem. Additionally, different types of mold discolor surfaces with black and/or green specks. Look for mold in bathrooms, windows, crawl spaces, air conditioners, ventilation systems, leaky roofs, attics and basements. Why have I found mold in several areas?

All fungi, like mold, release spores that travel along air currents. Unless a mold-infested area is sealed off, the spores spread throughout a building.  

Why does mold grow in air ducts?
Poor duct maintenance and moisture from humidity or plumbing, wall or roof leaks give mold spores the perfect dark habitat for growth. The experienced team at SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria use the IICRC (gold standard) guidelines to remove any mold growth.  

Can I use bleach to remove mold? Mold spores have roots.  Liquid bleach is the wrong choice for several reasons: Bleach can't successfully penetrate all surfaces -- especially some porous materials -- and since it is wet it will help any missed mold regrow.

Worse yet, bleach can hide a deeply rooted mold problem.  Do I need additional testing if I already know that I have mold in my home after water damage?
Testing determines the type of mold and the amount of cleaning that must be done to completely restore an area. 

Should I use a DIY test kit after water damage?
Although DIY kits are inexpensive, they often provide false positive results. They also don't offer the data needed to determine the type of mold or the amount of spores in the air. Also, you need a CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) to interpret the results and they can not be responsible for determining samples that may not have been collect properly. How can I remove mold growth and spores from my home?

The best way is to bring in the trained technicians of SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria. They can evaluate the problem and perform the correct tasks to remove mold from the air and surfaces, clean the infested area and safeguard against future growth.

It's important to understand the damage water can do.

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. 

Consider these facts: Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
They are always present and only dangerous when reactivated by a high level of moisture.
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/stopped. 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 you have questions about water damage or mold, give us a call at SERVPRO of West Bradenton /Anna Maria (941) 792-7715.