Mold Due To Water Damage

Do you have water damage to your house? Has there been a flood? Have you checked for mold?

Water damage due to flooding or major leaks is not easy to deal with. Always use a disaster cleanup crew to help. These crews know what to do with contaminated water and water logged items. They also know how to seal off an infected area properly.

Water Damage

Water damage can happen to any area or region. Damage can occur from a global disaster or just a leaky faucet. Similarly, the item can just be slightly exposed to the water or completely submerged.

Water Damage Categories

Water damage is listed in categories depending on the cleanliness of the water.

• Category 1 is called Clean Water. This is water that has leaked out of pipes or faucets. It can be reused and is not harmful to humans or animals.
• Category 2 is called Grey Water. This water contains stuff like dishwater, washing machine water, and toilet water (with or without urine). This water is not to be reused.
• Category 3 is called Black Water. This water is not safe. It contains fecal matter and other contaminants. It is grossly unsanitary.

Mold Damage

Mold spores can grow on anything. These microorganisms only need a little moisture and they can grow exponentially. Mold is mostly found in bathrooms, attics, basements and any place where wetness and humidity is present. Mold grows in porous materials like drywall, wood, concrete, brick, paper and wallpaper paste. Disturbingly, mold can grow on these items in 48 hours.

Mold damage should be taken care of as soon as possible because it can lead to illness. Mold contains toxic microscopic fungus. It can lead to allergic reactions, asthma attacks, eye irritation, nose and throat irritations, sinus congestion and other respiratory illnesses. In extreme cases (with high levels of toxins) there have been neurological problems, cancer and even death.

How to Prevent Mold

Mold spores are everywhere (not visible to the naked eye). To prevent mold from happening:

• Take care of leaks from dripping water and pipes under sink
  Water buildup can be a breeding site for spores
  • Control dust and condensation on windows
    Dust can trap spores and condensation allows mold to grow
  • Make sure there is sufficient airflow in room
    With sufficient airflow, the area remains dry
  • Make sure there is no wood piled up with no airflow
    With sufficient airflow, the wood remains dry

  Call the Professionals

  Remember, if there is mold present, no matter what type it is or how much is present, always call a professional to remove it.