After the Flood: 3 Facts About Mold

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth on drywall due to humidity.

Three Facts About Mold

Strong storms in Chandler, AZ, can wreak havoc on your property, but few problems are as difficult to deal with as flooding. One major issue these storms can lead behind is mold growth, which can occur in any area affected by floodwater. The more you know about mold, the better you can recognize its presence after a flood and take steps to fight it.

1. Black Mold Is Common With Moisture Damage
While mold comes in many forms, black mold is usually the most common type that invades after a flood. Mold spores that exist naturally in the air are attracted to standing water, and the longer the moisture remains, the more likely mold will form, as it only requires humidity and moist conditions to grow.

2. Mold Grows Quickly
Mold growth usually occurs quickly after a flood, usually within 24-48 hours of the initial incident. It may form even faster in areas of high humidity or in humid weather. It tends to grow faster on porous surfaces, such as drywall, and may even affect areas you cannot see, such as in crawlspaces or behind walls. You may be able to slow this growth until you can call for assistance by opening windows in rooms where mold is growing or by using ceiling or electric fans to circulate the air.

3. Mold Contains Bacteria
Handling any kind of mold that appears after a flood can be dangerous because of the bacterium that it contains. Bleach and other water-based cleansers do not clear it away completely and may only encourage it to grow again because of the moisture levels these products contain. Calling in a flood mitigation and cleanup service is a wise option as opposed to do-it-yourself procedures that may not clear away mold completely.
When flooding strikes your Chandler, AZ, home and mold growth occurs, the results can be difficult to handle. knowing what causes mold and how to eliminate it can help you act quickly in the wake of a flood.