Water Damaged Walls Mold

Weather the water damage is the result of a storm surge or a leaky faucet when water is trapped behind walls or paneling the elements needed for mold growth will most likely be present.

Water damaged walls mold.

Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor. When repairing water damaged rooms consider making improvements to help prevent or at least minimize future damage and mold growth. 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. The sun kills mold.

Steps to prevent mold growth. Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours. If you have health concerns consult a health professional before starting cleanup. Next mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach with a bucket of warm water.

Pull up the carpet and take it outside in the sun. The walls and floors will need to be cleaned first. If the water damage inside the walls persists mold will show signs on the surface. The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest.

A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home. Put on your ventilator mask and rubber gloves. Control indoor moisture to prevent mold. 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.

Wipe down the walls with a rag and let them dry. If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls. Mold on walls and baseboards. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.

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. Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems so deal with it quickly. Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture such as bathrooms kitchens. In the first two days after water damage occurs mold begins its initial germination and growth.

It is best to take action at this time to mitigate the damage and prevent mold growth from occuring. The key to stopping mold and mildew is controlling dampness. If the water and or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. 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.

Between the third and the twelfth day the spores begin to colonize within the structure.