Preventing Mold After a Storm

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

When water enters your home after a storm, you will have more than a few things to worry about.  First, you want to make sure everyone in the home is safe and you've addressed the entry point of the water.  Any standing water should be quickly removed and for this you may want to consult with your water mitigation company in Nisswa, MN.

When things settle down you should turn your attention to possible mold growth.  Unexpected water from any source in your home creates good conditions for mold to proliferate.  Mold can appear quickly, in as little as 48-72 hours after a leak or flood.

The facts About Mold

A better understanding of mold growth can be helpful when dealing with it.  Here are a few basic facts about mold:

• It is naturally occurring and is present just about everywhere
• It is made up of microscopic spores
• Mold spores thrive in moist conditions such as when standing water is present
• Mold often produces a musty odor
• It is unlikely to grow in rooms under 45% humidity

The control of mold in your home is important because it produces allergens that can be an irritant to health.  One of the keys to mold control is to eliminate excessive moisture in the home.

The Myths About Mold

Mold is a fungus and not a bacteria. Since it is naturally in the air and the soil it is really impossible to achieve complete mold removal. It will always be present in your home in small amounts, but will be unlikely to cause problems so long as moisture is controlled.
Mold can be contained with specific treatments and colonies can be removed through the use of antifungal and antimicrobial products. Contents such as clothes and furniture can also be cleaned and sanitized with the proper measures. Fortunately, you can contain mold growth even after a storm that brings water into your home.