Mold and Water Restoration – What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently suffered a water damage or mold disaster, you’ve likely wondered what mold and water restoration is all about. What does water damage mold look like? What should you look for in a mold remediation company? And what’s the best way to deal with the aftermath of a water-damaged home? Keep reading to learn more. After all, water damage and mold remediation go hand in hand. And the more you know about these two problems, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle the damage and mold.
Water damage and mold remediation
Both water damage and mold remediation require specialized knowledge to effectively address both types of issues. Water damage causes a wide variety of structural problems, including corroded metal and wood, and sewage back-ups. Mold, on the other hand, is far more elusive, and may not be visible to the naked eye. The most common sources of water damage are roof leaks and plumbing issues, and the first sign of both is often not immediately apparent. The odor associated with both types of damage is a sign of mold and is often not readily noticeable until colonies form. Mold off-gasses, produced by fungi, also contribute to the distinctive smell that most homeowners experience when experiencing a water damage or mold infestation.
Homeowner’s insurance policies will typically cover sudden, unexpected water damage and mold remediation. However, flood insurance is a good choice for homes located in flood plains because the cost of repairing and rebuilding a home without flood insurance will fall on the homeowner. Additionally, some policies do not cover the cost of mold remediation due to neglect or improper maintenance. However, you should still take some precautions before starting the cleanup.
Mold and water damage remediation
Professionals in the field of water damage and mold remediation will be able to quickly determine the extent of damage and remove any contaminated materials safely. The use of advanced equipment and protective gear is an important part of the process. Do-it-yourself cleaning may irritate mold or worsen its effects. Hence, mold and water damage remediation professionals should be hired. Aside from their professional skills, they also use green products.
Several sources of water damage can cause serious structural damages in a home. Prolonged leaks can damage wood, metal, and even sewage. Among them are plumbing problems and roof leaks. The resulting standing water can cause sewage backups. Mold, on the other hand, is more insidious and may not be visible to the naked eye. The source of water damage can be hidden behind the walls or roof, and may not be visible until colonies start to grow. The odor emanating from the fungus are microbial volatile organic compounds or off-gasses.
What does water damage mold look like?
What does water damage mold look like? This common home repair problem is an unsightly and potentially hazardous threat to your health. You can tell if your home has water damage if you notice the walls begin to deteriorate. Excess moisture can cause the walls to bow and bulge. While mold may not be visible to the naked eye, it has a distinct smell. It resembles rotting plants and is damp and slimy. It can also smudge.
The first step in preventing mold growth is to turn off any water sources that may be present. If your home has air conditioning or heating systems, you should turn them off and keep the temperature moderate. Excess heat or coolness can slow the drying process. Make sure the fan’s grille is in a place where it can ventilate the room. Also, keep the room temperature moderate, since too much heat or coolness will make the mold growth process more difficult.