Water Damage Mold
We wouldn't have mold without moisture, mold and moisture
go hand in hand so if we have any water damage, there's a very good
chance, if we don't take care of it correctly, we're going to have mold
growing somewhere in the home. The two biggest places where mold will be
growing in relations to water damage, will be in the walls, ceilings,
attic's and floors. Remember mold and mildew love dark damp places, like
underneath your carpeting and in between your walls.
1. Carpet Mold Damage
Mold and mildew in the carpeting, could create a big problem if not
handled correctly. Let's start with a small amount of water spilled on
the carpeting. You could easily spill 12 ounces of water on the
carpeting and "probably" never have any problems, even if you don't
clean it up. If you spill a gallon of water on the carpeting, make sure
you soak up as much water as possible with some towels, or you could be
creating a problem with mold in the future.
The big problem though is when a large area of carpeting gets saturated.
For example a 10' x 10' area of carpeting if wet for longer than one
week, the longer the carpet is damp, the harder it will be to get rid of
the mold, when the time comes. You could end up removing and replacing
the carpet, if the mold becomes too much of a problem.
2. Mold Damage in Between Walls
Another problem with water damage mold is when the areas inside of your
walls get wet. These areas are hard to try out, unless the drywall is
removed and allowed to air dry. When the area in between the wall is
wet, damp or moist for over a month, there's a good chance that mold
will start to grow.
If the wall is wet on the outside, there's a good chance that it's wet
on the inside. You can always take a chance and hope for the best, by
not removing the drywall but your taking a chance, that the mold over
time will be growing in a spot you can't see. The mold eventually could
work its way through the drywall or plaster and become visible. The
drywall or plaster would obviously need to be replaced and repaired as
soon as possible.
3. Attic Mold Damage
If you have a roof leak, there's a good chance the moisture will have
accumulated in your ceiling, wood framing and insulation. The problem
with moisture here is that most attic's are dark and if not ventilated
properly, the attic will not air dry, because of the lack of air
movement. Proper ventilation in an attic help you prevent mold and
moisture from accumulating.
Any roof leaks, where there has been ceiling damage, should be inspected
for mold, mildew or fungus, within two months after the water damage has
been repaired.
Tip: Always use the proper clothing, rubber gloves and a respiratory
protection when dealing with mold. Provide the area, where you're
working with plenty of ventilation and try to keep other people away
until you have cleaned the area up.