What is mold remediation after water damage?
Mold remediation is removing mold growth from a building and correcting the moisture problem that caused it. After water damage, mold can begin growing on damp drywall, wood, carpet pad and insulation, which is why the EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours. Remediation without fixing the moisture source doesn't last.
Signs of mold after water damage
- a musty, earthy smell, especially in basements and closets
- spots or fuzzy growth on walls, baseboards or ceilings
- discoloration at the bottom of drywall after a leak or flood
- mold returning after it's been wiped away
When you can clean mold yourself, and when you shouldn't
According to the EPA, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can generally handle the cleanup yourself by following its guidance. Call a professional when:
- mold covers more than about 10 square feet, or there was a lot of water damage
- the water involved was sewage or other contaminated water
- mold may be inside walls, in ductwork or in the HVAC system
- anyone in the home has health concerns related to mold
How professional mold remediation works
- Inspection: finding the extent of growth and the moisture source behind it.
- Containment: sealing off the work area so spores don't spread to clean rooms.
- Removal: moldy porous materials such as drywall, insulation and carpet are removed; hard surfaces are cleaned.
- Drying and moisture correction: making sure the area is dry and the original water problem is fixed. See water damage drying.
- Repairs: replacing removed materials once everything is clean and dry.
Where mold shows up in Chesterfield homes
Basements are the most common place, after a flooded basement, a sump pump failure or slow seepage that keeps a corner damp. Bathrooms, areas under sinks, and ceilings below roof leaks follow. Humid St. Louis summers make damp basements more prone to growth. Mold is often the delayed result of water damage that wasn't fully dried, which is why proper drying is central to restoring water damage in Chesterfield.
Preventing mold after water damage
- stop the water source and start drying within 24 to 48 hours
- remove soaked carpet pad, insulation and drywall that can't be dried quickly
- keep basements dehumidified, especially during humid summers
- confirm drying with moisture readings before closing walls or laying new flooring
- fix slow leaks under sinks and around appliances promptly
Mold and insurance
Coverage for mold varies widely. Some policies cover mold resulting from a covered water loss, such as a burst pipe, often with limits. Others exclude it. Mold from long-term leaks or humidity is commonly excluded. Check your policy, and see our insurance guide.