Water damage on its own can be incredibly costly. Depending on the extent of the problem, you could have to pay thousands to replace damaged flooring, drywall, insulation or cabinetry. Water damage can also quickly lead to serious issues with mold. This is especially true if you don’t fully eliminate the source of the water and take the necessary steps to dry everything out.
Mold thrives in warm, damp conditions. If even a small amount of moisture is present somewhere in a house, mold problems can arise in as little as 24 to 48 hours. At Reliable Restoration, we’ve been providing reliable water damage and mold restoration services throughout the Atlanta Metro area since 2009 and are ready to offer immediate assistance when disaster strikes.
What Is Mold Remediation and Why Does It Matter After Water Damage?
Many people think that mold remediation just involves cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas to eliminate all of the surface-level mold that’s present. While this is one part of the process, professional mold remediation is much more involved.
A lone mold organism typically produces hundreds of thousands of spores over its 24- to 48-hour life cycle. Larger colonies can send out millions or billions of spores. The spores allow additional mold organisms to start growing and reproducing on any damp surfaces and building materials.
That means the first step in mold remediation is always to identify and eliminate the water source that allowed the mold to start growing. Without taking this step, mold will just continually grow and reproduce. Drying out the area as quickly as possible helps prevent the mold from continuing to spread. However, it’s also necessary to eliminate both the surface-level mold and all of the airborne spores.
Another essential part of the remediation process is to use filters to clean the air and remove the majority of the airborne mold spores. This helps to keep the problem from spreading while you’re waiting for everything to fully dry out. Sealing off the affected area is also crucial for preventing spores from spreading and potentially leading to mold growth in other parts of the building.
Professionals typically use dehumidifiers and fans to speed up the drying process. However, building materials and furnishings that are overly waterlogged or overly infested with mold generally need to be removed and then replaced once the remediation process is complete.
Once the area is fully dry, the technicians finally move on to cleaning and sanitizing the area to eliminate any mold and spores that are present. The last step is to take air and surface samples to confirm that the mold has been fully eliminated.
Common Sources of Water Damage That Lead to Mold Growth
- Plumbing leaks
- Sewer line backups
- Leaking or burst water heater
- Roof leaks
- High humidity and condensation
- Flooding from storms
Warning Signs You Have a Mold Problem After Water Damage
Taking quick action after water damage is crucial for preventing mold problems from worsening. If you notice any signs of water damage or suspect mold growth anywhere within your home, you should immediately call in the help of a professional. The longer you wait, the more extensive and costly the remediation process will be.
- Visible mold growth on drywall, baseboards and other building materials
- Unusual moldy or musty odors
- Wet spots on walls or ceilings
- Standing water that’s been present for more than 24 hours
- Allergy symptoms that worsen when indoors
Why DIY Mold Removal Is Not Enough
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that they can eliminate mold issues themselves. DIY removal can be sufficient for very minor issues like mold growing on shower tiles. Otherwise, professional remediation is always the best and most effective solution.
Without the proper tools and equipment, it can be extremely difficult to identify all of the areas with hidden moisture that’s allowing the mold to thrive. Thorough testing is also necessary to locate the areas where mold is present and determine the full extent of the problem. The other issue is that mold can be extremely difficult to fully eliminate. Simply using bleach or a fungicide normally isn’t sufficient to prevent the problem from returning. Trying to remove mold without wearing the proper protective gear can also be hazardous to your health.
What to Expect From Reliable Restoration’s Mold Remediation Process
At Reliable Restoration, our comprehensive remediation and mold removal process allows us to tackle and fully eliminate even the worst mold infestations. We start with a full inspection and evaluation, using tools like moisture sensors, humidity monitors and thermal imaging cameras to identify all of the areas where moisture is present.
This enables us to map out the problem and determine what steps are necessary to overcome it. From drying and dehumidification to containment, air purification and surface removal, we use the latest industry-approved techniques and technology to tackle the source of the mold growth and make sure it won’t return. At the end, we perform a full post-remediation test to make sure the area is completely mold free.
Our technicians are fully IICRC certified and continually undergo regular training and ongoing education to ensure that they provide the highest level of service and support available. We’re available 24/7 to respond to any emergencies, and we can typically be onsite within 60 to 90 minutes. We also work directly with insurance providers to help take the hassle out of filing a claim.
FAQs
Q: What are the signs I need mold remediation?
A: Visible mold growth and moldy/musty odors are obvious signs you need professional mold remediation. Even if there aren’t any noticeable issues, it’s still a good idea to call for a professional evaluation after any type of major water damage.
Q: How long does professional mold removal take?
A: Removing smaller, isolated mold issues sometimes only takes two days or so. Dealing with major infestations or widespread mold issues throughout a building can take a week to two weeks.
Q: Is mold remediation covered by homeowners insurance?
A: Whether a homeowners’ insurance policy will cover mold remediation largely depends on the source of the water damage. Most policies will cover the cost of remediation if the mold resulted from an issue like a burst pipe or storm damage that lead to a roof leak. Issues that stem from neglect, lack of maintenance or high humidity typically aren’t covered.
Q: Where does mold hide after water damage?
A: After a water damage event, it’s common for mold to start growing within walls and ceilings, behind baseboards and underneath flooring and cabinets. Mold growth in the attic is also a common problem.
Dealing with water damage and mold growth in your home can be a nightmare. At Reliable Restoration, we’re dedicated to providing prompt, dependable water damage restoration and mold removal services and helping homeowners alleviate the stress of navigating the process. To schedule a free assessment in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, contact us today.
