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Can My Walls Grow Mold After Water Damage?

June 18, 2020 by Kingsley LLC

Water damagemold after water damage in a home can occur for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include burst pipes, plumbing issues, faulty household appliances, toilet overflows, sewage backups, and leaking HVAC units. When water damage occurs, one of your first concerns may be mold. Nearly all surfaces can grow mold, including your walls. It does not take long for mold to infiltrate drywall which then requires the complete removal of these materials to help stop the spread.

What Mold Needs to Grow

Fungi can begin to germinate and grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours if the conditions are right. Mold just needs food, water, and oxygen to grow–all the things that can be found in an average home that has suffered water damage. Mold thrives in spaces where moisture and humidity are present. While mold prefers dark areas, it can actually grow in environments with light. This fast-growing fungus can be found behind wallpaper, beneath damp carpeting, above ceiling tiles and on textiles like drapes and clothing. While mold cannot grow on inorganic materials, such as metal and glass, spores can survive on the dust found on these surfaces.

Spotting Early Signs of Mold

When most people envision mold, they picture green fuzz spreading across their walls. However, just because you do not see visible mold growing in your home does not mean it is not there. Mold can often go undetected, especially if it starts to grow behind furniture, in walls, above ceilings, or under carpets. Mold can even grow in tiny crevices, around plumbing pipes and even under the wallpaper and paint on your walls.

water damage in your homeIf you have recently dealt with water damage in your home, look for signs that could indicate a mold problem. A musty odor in your home is a surefire sign of mold growth. You may also notice your wallpaper or paint cracking, peeling, or bubbling. You or people who live in your home may also start experiencing respiratory ailments. Some of the most common symptoms of mold allergies include coughing, sneezing, sinus headaches, runny nose, congestion, itchy throat, watery eyes, irritated skin, wheezing, and overall difficulty breathing.

In time, you will likely spot the visible signs of mold. Mold can appear white and thread-like or as small black spots that often appear in clusters. Fungi can also be gray, brown or green. When it grows behind wallpaper or vinyl, it can take on a pink, orange or purple tone. If you have had past water damage in your home, it is important to be wary of possible mold growth.

How Mold Spreads

Once mold starts to grow, it can spread quickly throughout a room and eventually an entire home. As a type of fungi, mold contains spores that release into the air. These spores then repopulate and spread across large areas. All it takes is a single spot to start mold and then it will gradually spread outward. People, fans, air ducts and other disturbances in the home can cause the mold to spread quicker due to the disruption of spores. As long as mold has food, water, and oxygen, it can continue to grow and spread in your home.

How to Clean Mold

Cleaning moldcleaning mold after water damage is not as simple as wiping down the walls with a rag. In fact, this approach can actually cause the problem to get worse as you are essentially forcing the spores to become airborne. Ideally, you want to prevent mold in the first place by drying areas immediately when they become exposed to water. If you start noticing a musty odor or other signs of mold, call in a mold remediation company immediately to start the process of mold removal. As breathing in mold can be harmful, this job is best left to the professionals.

Consequences of Unattended Mold

Mold can be costly and dangerous if left untreated. As mold continues to grow in your home, it will stain the surfaces it grows on, leaving your belongings with unsightly discoloration. It can also cause irreversible damage to building materials, such as drywall. These materials will likely need to be replaced if they suffer water damage. You may also suffer from the health consequences of mold. Breathing in mold can be very irritating to the lungs, especially in those with preexisting asthma or allergies.

Contact the Experts for Mold Remediation

Taking care of mold after water damage is critical if you want to minimize damage. One of the best things you can do for your family, your home, and your wallet is to call in a mold remediation company to safely remove the mold and restore your home. To learn more about mold remediation services or to schedule service with a mold removal expert, call Kingsley LLC.

Filed Under: Mold Remediation

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Kingsley Water Damage Restoration of Columbia

825 Meeting St. Ste 202 West Columbia, SC 29169 24/7 Hotline: 803-590-0370
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Google Rating
5.0
Kingsley LLC Columbia Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation Specialists
Kingsley LLC Columbia Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation Specialists
5.0
Based on 63 reviews
Samantha davis
Samantha davis
17:10 02 Dec 19
Kingsley really helped us in our time of need. Our house flooded from our upstairs bathroom, water was everywhere. They came the same day I called and immediately started removing carpet and setting up machines. They charged nothing upfront and worked payment out with our insurance company. That alone is worth a 5 star review. We very pleased with the time and care they took with us and our home.
Cheri Held
Cheri Held
03:02 08 Nov 19
Hey!I had a water link behind my stove...I Called Kingsley. They came right away and got started. I had to leave, and when I came back 5 hours later they were done! They tore everything out that was went and needed to be gone, and they cleaned!!! They are nice guys, and did a great job! Thanks guys!!!
Ashley Lucas
Ashley Lucas
02:58 06 Nov 19
Amazing service!! Mr. Kingsley jumped right into action for my water mitigation services. He was very knowledgeable and took his time to explain the process. Great overall experience. I must say his excellent service and professionalism put my mind at ease knowing my home was in great hands.
Bha Kurnaz
Bha Kurnaz
12:57 01 Oct 19
Mike is the best person I met during my water leak problem. Long to short: if you are lucky to hire Mike (if his schedule is free), you will have amazing service. He works with you and your insurance. Most of well known firms try to charge double of Mike's estimate and try to take advantage of YOUR insurance.I am so happy that Mike handled my problem. Thanks and God bless you!
Kimberly Mills
Kimberly Mills
14:11 23 Sep 19
Mike Kingsley and company are the BEST hands down! Mike was responsive and prompt in addressing my issues and concerns. Kingsley was able to remove all the mold and demo everything from under the house where the mold was and then dry everything to prevent any further damage from the water. Kingsley and his team were very professional and considered of all that I had going on. Mike spoke with the insurance company and followed up with all they needed as well as what I needed. I would definitely give them the highest recommendation possible.
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