Water damage is among the significant casualties many American homeowners dread, but many people aren’t aware that mold does even more damage. Mold spores are common in many properties, and the primary reason mold exists in many homes is that they grow easily in indoor spaces exposed to moisture, damp air, and insufficient sunlight.

However, one of the most significant causes of mold growth is water damage. If your property has experienced water leaks or flooding after a storm, you have roughly 48 hours to take action to prevent mold growth in your home.

Many Americans experiencing water damage for the first time wonder why hiring a professional mold remediation company is crucial. The truth is that you’ll greatly benefit from having a professional restoration company like A1 Restoration Services handle your restoration project.

The longer you hesitate, the higher the chances of experiencing significant damage in your home. At A1 Restoration, we offer 24/7 emergency services and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Call us at 317-659-6286. Our technicians are certified, have multiple years of experience, and are experts in handling mold damage and other restoration services.

What is Mold? 

Mold is a fungus that thrives by feeding on organic matter and spreads by releasing spores to reproduce. Mold spores are invisible and float in the air; these micro-organisms grow to become mold when they encounter wet surfaces.

Can a Water Leak Cause Mold Growth?

Many can’t fathom the extent of the connection between water leaks and mold growth. Most homeowners don’t realize that even minor water damage can create the perfect environment for mold to grow.

You don’t necessarily have to experience a flood before mold grows in your home, and a minor plumbing issue can facilitate mold infestation and growth. Keep in mind that mold doesn’t take long to blossom.

In the right environment, mold can start growing and spreading between 24 and 48 hours. So, if you experience water damage due to faulty plumbing, ensure you contact a reputable mold remediation service after fixing the issue.

Professional restoration services like A1 Restoration will help you with excess moisture removal, mold testing and removal, and address issues that may cause a future mold problem.

Related Article: What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage?

How Can I Spot Mold?

Identifying mold is pretty straightforward. When mold begins to grow, it appears mostly as tiny black specks. However, mold sometimes grows in hidden areas, like on the ceiling tiles or behind wall coverings.

Nonetheless, mold gives off a musty odor, meaning you can smell it if you can’t see it. Because mold often thrives in humid areas and places with significant moisture, the best places to check for mold include the kitchen, bathroom, basement, and laundry area.

The shocking part is that mold may be growing in some areas of your home you didn’t expect, and one of the best ways to prevent mold damage is to have a professional test for indoor mold presence in your home. Scheduling periodic mold testing saves you money on a complete mold remediation service.

Classification of Harmful Molds

The mold in your ceiling and behind your walls differs from the healthy ones used to produce cheese. The harmful types are classified into three, including:

Allergenic Mold

This mold class triggers allergic reactions and can be harmful — especially to people with an underlying respiratory condition or individuals sensitive to airborne allergies.

Pathogenic Mold

Besides causing infections, pathogenic molds can worsen existing health problems. In the long run, an individual inhaling air infested with pathogenic mold can suffer from lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.

Toxigenic Mold

Toxic mold is the most common class of harmful mold and severely threatens human health. This mold type is notorious for growing and spreading in the dark areas of the home.

Regular ingestion of black mold spores can cause significant health issues. The best way to avoid black mold exposure is to have a professional restoration company handle the cleanup and restoration of your water-damaged property.

How to Prevent Mold Spores and Growth from Water Damage?

A significant step to preventing mold from growing until help arrives is to assess and mitigate the damage quickly. Mitigating damage means doing everything you can to minimize and contain the damage.

When dealing with water damage and a potential mold problem, the following are the do’s and don’ts to execute while awaiting help:

• Turn off the primary water source if the damage is from one of the water sources in your home.
• Ensure you turn off all air conditioning and heating systems. Keep your home at a moderate temperature. Excess heating or cooling may compromise the drying process.
• Turn off the fans in the house. Drying out the water with fans can lead to the spread of mold spores around the house.
• Pick up personal items that could get damaged by the water.
• Try to move furniture out of the wet areas.
• Leave the rest of the work to A1 Restoration Services.

Does Water Damage Always Cause Mold?

No, not in every circumstance. If you can completely dry out your home or the affected areas within 24 hours, there’s a great chance you’ll not experience mold. However, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see mold in some areas unless the water damage is insignificant.

Minor or significant mold presence, we can help you get rid of it. Apart from the damage mold does to your walls and ceiling, it can also cause health issues. Prioritize your health and safety. Should you ever spot mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call A1 Restoration Services.

Get Professional Help to Rid Your Home of Mold

Mold – especially black mold – can be difficult to eliminate as it often reappears whenever there’s dampness. Though you may successfully eliminate it on surfaces, it may resurface if it is not entirely removed from the home environment.

Working with certified remediation firms is the safest and most effective way of permanently ridding your home of mold. Our expert technicians at A1 Restoration have multiple years of experience and deliver nothing less than quality service at affordable rates.

Our services include fire and smoke restoration, mold removal, subfloor repairs, water damage restoration, & more. For more information & to hire us for your restoration project, call us at 317–659–6286.