The Dangers of Mold Growth After Water Damage and How to Address Them

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to a host of problems, with one of the most significant being mold growth. Mold thrives in damp environments and can quickly spread throughout your home, posing serious health risks and causing structural damage. It's crucial to address mold growth promptly and effectively after water damage occurs. In this article, we will explore the dangers of mold growth, the potential health hazards it presents, and practical steps to address and prevent mold issues.

1. Identifying Mold Growth:

Signs of mold growth include a musty odor, visible mold patches, and discoloration on walls or ceilings. However, mold can also hide behind walls or beneath flooring, making it essential to seek professional help, such as SERVPRO of Bellaire, for a comprehensive assessment.

2. Effective Water Damage Restoration:

Addressing water damage promptly is crucial in preventing mold growth. SERVPRO of Bellaire specializes in water damage restoration, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques to extract water, thoroughly dry the affected areas, and prevent further mold proliferation.

3. Professional Mold Remediation:

If mold growth has already occurred, it's important to consult professionals like SERVPRO of Bellaire for safe and effective mold remediation. Their experienced technicians can safely remove mold, clean contaminated areas, and restore your home to a healthy environment.

4. Controlling Moisture Levels:

Preventing mold growth requires controlling moisture levels in your home. This includes promptly repairing any leaks, improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation.

5. Proper Ventilation and Air Circulation:

Proper airflow and ventilation can help prevent excessive humidity, which contributes to mold growth. Open windows, use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and consider the use of air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.

6. Regular Inspections and Maintenance:

Perform regular inspections of your home, paying attention to areas prone to water damage, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Address any issues promptly, and consider professional inspections, especially after significant water events like floods or leaks.

The dangers of mold growth after water damage are real and should not be taken lightly. Swift action, such as effective water damage restoration and professional mold remediation, is essential to mitigate health risks and prevent further damage to your home. Partnering with professionals like SERVPRO of Bellaire ensures expert guidance and comprehensive solutions to tackle mold growth effectively. By taking preventive measures, controlling moisture levels, and maintaining proper ventilation, you can safeguard your home from the hazards of mold growth and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

Mold? Signs of Water Problems?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Long term moisture problem example.

If you have had any long-term moisture problems in your house it's usually inevitable, they will lead to mold beginning to grow. So, if you know you've had some water problems in your home then it's a pretty good sign you could have mold.

Some signs that you have a moisture problem include water stains or discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings in your house. Seeing these could be a clue that there is mold growing within or behind the material.

Another sign of a moisture problem is surface abnormalities like peeling, bubbling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper. If your walls are bowed, bulging or warped it probably means moisture has gotten into them. Another clue is if the surface of walls or other materials feel damp.

Call SERVPRO of Bellaire 713-266-9294.

Avoid Mold Hazards

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Damage

A water-damaged property requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold explosion. Molds produce spores which spread easily through the air, and they form new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions: moisture, nutrients (nearly anything organic) and a place to grow.

Mold can damage materials and health. The longer mold is allowed to grow, the greater the risk and the harder the cleanup. So as soon as the floodwaters recede and it is safe to return, don’t delay cleanup and drying.

SERVPRO of Bellaire has fully trained and licensed professionals to identify any potential health-affecting molds and the expertise to remove and clean any mold issues you may have. Remember SERVPRO "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Bellaire today at 713-266-9294

Mold? Signs of Water Problems?

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Long term moisture problem example.

If you have had any long-term moisture problems in your house it's usually inevitable, they will lead to mold beginning to grow. So, if you know you've had some water problems in your home then it's a pretty good sign you could have mold.

Some signs that you have a moisture problem include water stains or discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings in your house. Seeing these could be a clue that there is mold growing within or behind the material.

Another sign of a moisture problem is surface abnormalities like peeling, bubbling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper. If your walls are bowed, bulging or warped it probably means moisture has gotten into them. Another clue is if the surface of walls or other materials feel damp.

Call SERVPRO of Bellaire 713-266-9294.

Does Your Home Have a Mold Problem?

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Residents: Follow these Mold Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Bellaire for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Bellaire specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Seeing Signs of Mold Growth

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

Major Mold Issues.

Visible mold growth might seem like an obvious sign of mold. However, many people don't notice small amounts of mold growth or they think it's just soot or dirt. Sometimes people simply ignore visible mold in their house.

If you can see mold growth, even if it's only small, you should take action immediately. Small mold patches can spread and the fact that there is any mold shows that the conditions in your home are right for mold to grow. 
If you don't take care of mold it will soon become a bigger problem. Visible mold growth could also be a sign that there is a much larger mold colony growing hidden away from view.

Sometimes you might not realize there is mold in your house, especially if it is unusual looking mold. Some mold growth looks white and thread-like. Other mold appears as clusters of small black spots. Mold can be black, gray-brown, gray-green or white in color. Mold growing behind wallpaper made of vinyl can even appear orange, pink or purple.

Call SERVPRO AT 713-266-9294

Untreated Water Leaks Can Cause Mold

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows the SERVPRO of Bellaire properly drying a property after a water loss.

If you have experienced a water leak there is a good chance that you have mold growing in your home around the area where the leak occurred. It is important to remember that even condensation can cause mold to grow in humid climates. 

Mold growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then any mold will probably be hidden behind the surface too. Even if the leak was not behind a surface there could still be mold hidden out of view behind a wall or other surface from water which seeped through. 

Often mold is found in air vents, behind sheet rock, under flooring and in insulation. Many times, when mold is present in these places the homeowner is not aware that they are living with the potentially hazardous toxin. If you suspect there could be mold in your home call SERVPRO of Bellaire.  

If you have experienced a water leak there is a good chance that you have mold growing in your home around the area where the leak occurred. It is important to remember that even condensation can cause mold to grow in humid climates. 

Mold growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then any mold will probably be hidden behind the surface too. Even if the leak was not behind a surface there could still be mold hidden out of view behind a wall or other surface from water which seeped through. 

Often mold is found in air vents, behind sheet rock, under flooring and in insulation. Many times, when mold is present in these places the homeowner is not aware that they are living with the potentially hazardous toxin. If you suspect there could be mold in your home call SERVPRO of Bellaire.  

Smelling a Mold Odor

12/2/2015 (Permalink)

When you have mold growing hidden away in your house, often a moldy smell might be the only clue that it's there. Don't ignore mold odors if you can't see any mold. You should thoroughly inspect your home before any mold problems get worse.