Mold: The Aftermath of Water Damage
While Hurricane Harvey is out of the main news stream, the forecast for Southeast Texas includes several more years of rebuilding and restructuring. After 10 years, New Orleans is still in the process of adding value to the city and rebuilding compromised property after the deadly Hurricane Katrina. As Houston, the Woodlands, and other surrounding areas rebuild themselves, there are temporary contractors, outside remodelers, and professional companies are sweeping in to help. Although these service providers may be appealing for low prices and quick service, the “quality” job may unravel itself in the coming months and years. As you consider further remediation from water damage from flooding or just plain ‘ol water damage, keep the information below in mind. Specifically, this article will focus on the effect of water damage after several days, weeks, and months. Namely, mold.
Mold isn’t just something that develops on swiss cheese after a month or two. It can develop after any degree of water damage and cling to many surfaces. If you’ve discovered black mold in your Woodlands home or business, the time to begin a thorough mold removal process is now. Despite your probable urge to douse bleach on the affected area per the advice of internet sources and do-it-yourself sites, bleach isn’t usually strong enough to eliminate deep-rooted mold. Take a look at the effects of mold:
Structural Damage
After any degree of water damage, mold often hides in the unseen areas of your home: behind toilets, above structural supports, and inside cabinets. If the mold gets into a porous surface, it can gradually eat it away until there is nothing left. This poses a problem especially if a weight-bearing beam or the floor underneath your tub is affected. The disintegration of your home is worth a little extra attention.
Without a clear vision of existing mold, it can be difficult—near impossible—to know where mold exists. A professional inspection can give a sure answer.
Health
If left unchecked, mold can trigger allergies, throat irritation, congestion. It can also compound any already existing respiratory problems. Even without physical contact, airborne spores circulate the affected area and can cause massive discomfort. Even otherwise healthy individuals can be impacted by the mold. Unlike the common cold, mold isn’t just something you dismiss and hope will take care of itself. Mold necessitates immediate action.
What to Do
- Don’t panic
Mold feeds off of fear. Okay, maybe it doesn’t, but stay calm! The problems described above usually only happen in the advanced stages of a mold infestation. Without a mold removal process, however, a minor annoyance can quickly progress into a bona fide mold takeover. But with basic precautions and help from a water damage or mold removal specialist, you can remediate your home quickly.
- Stay Away from the Area
If possible, section off the affected area and steer clear of it. Health problems can arise due to prolonged exposure near mold. If the mold happens to be in a high-traffic area of your home, purchase some inexpensive breathing masks at your local drug store. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of inhaling harmful microorganisms.
- Call a Professional
Water damage and mold are best friends. It’s unlikely to find one without the other. If you’ve experienced any degree of water damage, the mold is likely present behind the scenes. The best course of action is to quickly call a professional company in the Woodlands that deals with water damage and mold removal on a regular basis, not a quick-in and quick-out method. The process of assessing damage, using the correct materials and solutions, and restoring the area to its former state is complex. If you’ve experienced water damage and suspect mold in the Woodlands, give us a call! Although mold can be invasive and dangerous, it can be removed quickly before it leaves any lasting damage.
