Water Damage In Walls Mold

Mold on walls and baseboards.

Water damage in walls mold.

Mild exterior mold can be killed with bleach and water but the best course of action is to remove the affected piece of drywall completely. Drywall forms an excellent media for mold growth because it absorbs moisture that activates mold spores and the paper backing of drywall provides cellulose a food that nourishes. The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest. In a case where mold results directly from a covered loss or water damage that was covered by the insurance then you may have coverage for the mold remediation when you have comprehensive insurance.

The sun kills mold. Leave it out until you have finished cleaning inside. Put on your ventilator mask and rubber gloves. If the water damage inside the walls persists mold will show signs on the surface.

For long term issues like mold caused by attic condensation the mold may have started growing a long time ago. Mold growth begins inside wall cavities behind drywall within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion. The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside and in basements with poor foundation drainage. Here are a few of the less obvious drywall water damage issues.

If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it. Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours. Pull up the carpet and take it outside in the sun. Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems so deal with it quickly.

Control indoor moisture to prevent mold. Example of a mold related water damage gradual damage claim. A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home. If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls.

Wipe down the walls with a rag and let them dry. In addition to the damage that water causes it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors where it s visible and in ductwork attics and crawlspaces where you might not notice it. Next mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach with a bucket of warm water. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.

The key to stopping mold and mildew is controlling dampness. For instance put down tile or linoleum flooring instead of carpet in rooms with high humidity or where spills are common like kitchens bathrooms and laundry rooms. That does not mean that you have to rip down the entire wall. Locate the area that has water damage and draw a square around it extending it by several inches.

Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture such as bathrooms kitchens.