Prevent Today's Water Damage From Becoming Tomorrow's Mold Problem

Heavy rains in the spring push rivers across the US to flood levels. Many states have been hit hard and left many communities waterlogged. Flooded basements and increased dampness can cause homeowners more than just water damage. The lingering effects of water damage can lead to future mildew and mold growth. Left untreated, they can quickly become a health hazard.

Flooded, wet or even damp basements or rooms can become a breeding ground for mold. Even after all the visible water has dried or been pumped away, hidden areas can still remain damp and create the conditions that allow mold spores to grow and thrive.

Mildew and mold spores only need a few days of the proper conditions to begin growing. They need nothing more than moisture and a food source, such as wood or sheet rock, to grow and spread. Any organic material, including carpets, can be a food source.

When mold spores are in the environment in sufficient quantities, they can present a human health hazard. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause both short term and long-term health problems. "Toxic mold" refers to the type of molds that produce mycotoxins. Not all black molds are toxic, but any mold within a home is unhealthy.

Symptoms from mold infestation can include heightened allergies or allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, bronchitis, sinus congestion, headaches and immune system disorders. Small children, infants, the elderly, and people with existing health problems are more susceptible to the health problems related to mold exposure.

The best thing a homeowner can do after a flood or water incident is to have a water damage company professionally dry out the house. Water should be pumped out as soon as possible. High-speed fans and other technology can be safely and efficiently dry out the area. Then the area should be disinfected to prevent the future growth of mold spores.

Just because you might not see any mold after a cleanup, it does not mean that all the mold is gone. If residents in a home start to feel cold or flu-like symptoms over an extended time period, the may be the allergic effects of hidden mold spores. To go back and remove mold that has grown after water has been removed become a much more expensive project than if it had been performed correctly in the first place.

If floodwater is removed quickly, it can save homeowners the expense of a more expensive mold remediation job down the road.