Does water damage always lead to mold? As techs who work in the mold removal services industry, this is a question we get often. And the answer is no, water damage doesn’t always lead to mold.
Mold needs the right conditions to grow and spread. This includes much more than just water. Keep reading to learn more about how water damage can lead to mold and why.
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
In order for mold to grow, it needs moisture, humidity, and a food source. It’s because of these conditions that mold tends to grow after water damage.
Water has the potential to generate moisture in the air. Depending on where you live or the temperature in your house, this can lead to humidity. In cases of water damage, it has to be in an area that also has a lot of humidity. This is why rooms that don’t get a cross-breeze, like your attic, basement, and bathroom, experience the most mold after water damage.
As long as the right conditions are there for mold to grow, it will.
Other Factors that Affect Mold Growth After Water Damage
Environment plays a big role in the growth and development of mold. However, it’s not the only factor. Remember, not all water damage is equal.
For example, in the case of a flood, you’re going to experience mold growth. This is because it’s likely that the water will sit for over 24 hours. Since mold grows in as little as 24 hours after water exposure, flood cleanup always includes mold removal services.
However, in the case of a burst pipe or overflowing sink, the risk of mold will depend on how fast you treat it and how quickly it dries. If you mop up the water immediately and thoroughly dry out the area, then your chances of developing mold are minimal.
This is why it’s so imperative that you treat water damage as soon as it happens. The sooner you do, the less you’re likely to experience mold.
Signs of Mold to Look Out For
It’s not always a guarantee that your home will experience mold after water damage. However, it’s still important to stay vigilant. Mold can develop quickly. As such, here are signs of mold to look out for:
- Foul, musty, stale odors when you enter a particular room or part of the house
- Wet spots on the wood
- Spongy floors
- Cracked, chipped, or peeling paint or wallpaper
- Black spots on the wall, floorboards, or ceilings
Even though black spots are the most common, keep in mind that mold can be a variety of shades and textures. This includes brown, gray, green, and even orange or pink hues. Mold can also be fuzzy. If you notice any sort of discoloration on your walls, call in professional mold removal services.
In addition to these signs of mold, you should keep an eye out for any physical symptoms as well. Mold has a huge effect on those living with respiratory conditions, such as asthma. As such, keep an eye on your symptoms if they get worse.
Unfortunately, when it comes to mold, everyone in your house can be affected. This includes all ages and even pets. Here are a few physical symptoms of mold allergies you should be aware of:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Watery eyes
- Skin rashes/irritation
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches
Many of these symptoms are also common with a cold or flu. To make sure you’re dealing with a mold allergy, analyze when your symptoms start. Do they flare up when you visit the attic? Do they only occur when you’re making dinner in the kitchen? Are you symptom-free the moment you step outside? If you answered yes to any of these, it’s likely a mold reaction and not an illness.
Why Hire Professional Mold Removal Services?
Simply put, professional mold removal services technicians know how to treat mold. There are thousands of species of mold. It takes a trained eye to identify the one growing inside your house.
Furthermore, hiring a professional takes the responsibility off your shoulders. Treating mold with regular household cleaners can be tiresome. However, unfortunately, they also tend not to work past the surface level. For proper, safe cleaning, hiring a professional is in your best interests.
Do You Need Quality Mold Removal Services? Call the Team at PNW Restoration!
At PNW Restoration, we have years of experience identifying and treating mold. As briefly mentioned, household cleaners don’t do a good job of treating mold at the source. Our team has the right cleaners to kill mold at the source.
Furthermore, we’ll offer you insight into how you can combat mold growth after water damage moving forward. Don’t treat mold yourself. Let the team at PNW Restoration help. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
