When you see an image like the one above, you may wonder to yourself, “How long did that homeowner ignore that issue?”
You may be surprised to learn that mold pictured here can develop faster than you think!
Did You Know?
Mold growth can begin in as little as 24-48 hours when surfaces and other organic materials remain damp. Once the mold begins to feed on the organic material it can consume and destroy it in as little as 21 days.
Organic materials found in the home include:
- wood products
- ceiling tiles
- cardboard
- wallpaper
- carpets
- drywall
- fabric
- plants
- foods
- insulation
- decaying leaves
(Side note: the last item on the list above may not be found in the home, but if decaying leaves collect near an exterior wall made of any of the above materials the mold can spread.)
Your first step to preventing mold growth is maintaining dry surfaces and materials. We regularly recommend that your property, including your crawlspace, exceed no more that 50-55% humidity. FEMA recommends the moisture levels not exceed 40%. Whether you choose to maintain 40% or 50% humidity in your home, you are going to need proper moisture measurement equipment.
If you didn’t catch it already, check out our blog on humidity monitoring and dehumidifiers, Mold Prevention #1 by clicking the learn more button below.
Even if humidity levels look good, FEMA recommends disinfecting problem spots regularly with a solution of 10% bleach to 90% water. That is 1.25 – 1.5 cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water. The typical problem spots in homes are bathrooms, laundry rooms, and utility closets.
If your general humidity levels are well maintained, hot spots disinfected regularly but you suspect the presence of mold, it is imperative the area be dried and inspected. It is NOT recommended that you attempt to dry it out on your own. A common mistake made by homeowners is to run fans at high speeds. The movement of air could cause mold spores to spread to other areas of the home.
Beware: the movement of air without professional procedures and equipment could cause mold spores to spread to other areas of the home.
For these smelly situations or if you discover a busted pipe, overfilled bathtub or sink, overflowing HVAC, water heater, or dehumidifier you may need professional help to dry out the materials that are out of sight and or buried deep inside your floors, walls, crawlspace, and/or attic. This is the time to call Independent Restoration Services.
Your IRS Team has the expertise and equipment to track down every last drop of moisture and dry it without spreading the mold spores to the rest of your home or business. We know exactly what you need to keep your home and family healthy, and we will guide you through every step until your property is restored to a pre-loss condition.
Also, we will advocate for you. Often, mold is not covered by property insurance if it is caused by a slow leak. Home and property insurance mostly only cover sudden and accidental water damage. We will help you understand your policy and document in detail the steps we take to mitigate and remove the damage. We will provide that documentation to your insurance to they have the information they need to cover your loss.
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