First Comes Leaks, Then Comes Mold

4 January 2023

How to prevent mold after a flood

In a previous blog Damaging Deep Freeze, we briefly discussed what to do before, during, and after a flood. I would like to focus on the after in this article, as this is when we are often called in to help our clients.

A major flood is easy to catch. In the video in the right column, a major flood was happening and there was no way a person could stay in that room and not notice it. Floods or leaks in a hidden places are harder to find. In a previous post, we discussed the fact that unattended floods have the potential for the most extensive damage for a home or business. Likewise, floods that are in an attended home or business, but that are located in a hidden place are just as damaging. Attics and basements are often times places where even a small leak can turn into major bill if left unchecked.

According to IICRC Mold Remediation Standards, mold spores can develop in 72 hours after a water event. Of course we are only talking about microscopic spores. Proper and immediate drying with commercial equipment can resolve this right after a flood or leak. But imagine if a small leak happened and was not discovered for several months. Those few microscopic spores will turn into a flourishing mold colony, causing health issues due to compromised air quality, and an expensive mold remediation.

The Take Away

Floods are not always preventable, but there are a number of steps that can be taken to mitigate the damage and the cost of a flood and the after effects.

Below we have a helpful chart that will assist with preventing mold. And of course, you are always welcome to contact us via the contact form or call directly @ 719-744-8311

ATTEND
"Unattended" has been used numerous times in this post regarding excessive damage. An easy fix to this: Attend.
- Check the places that employees or residents don't often visit. Attics, basements, storage areas, crawlspaces. Look for water or a leak or even excessive condensation. If something seems insignificant, take a picture and check again after a month to see if there is any change.
- While inspecting for leaks, take note of the smell. A 'musty' or dank smell can be a sign of mold long before it is visible. An Air Quality Test is recommended.
- Touch the sheetrock, the wall behind the water heater, the ceiling, the insullation... This is an easy and fast way to detect changes.
DRY IT FAST
This can not be stressed enough: DRY EVERYTHING ALL THE WAY.
- This is the responsibility of the professional. But it is your home and you love more than anyone. So the recommendation is that you check behind every vendor and confirm that your home is the dryest it can possibly be.
- You may decide to DIY, which is an understandable choice if you have a very small flood. if so, your #1 goal is to dry is complete within 72hrs. If you can not (or have not), call a professional.
- If you have any concern that an area has been left wet after a professional has completed the service, you have the right ask for a water meter to be used to detect minute amiunts of water.
INSURANCE TALK
Be honest and clear with the insurance company. We have a few tips to help with that conversation.
- There is a limit to the amount of mold remediation an insurance company will cover - if they cover it at all. Microbial growth is considered neglegence by the majority. However, if you report a leak and mold is subsequently discovered, the allotment for remediation increases and is more likely to be covered. This is clear and honest, as mold doesn't just grow. It need water, warmth, and darkness. While warmth and darkness are in every home, water has to be intruduced. If you have mold, it came from water. It is best to start the conversation with the information about a possible leak before possible mold.
- Water damage will be recorded as a part of the history of your property, and the drying will as well. Whether this is professionally done or DIY, how it is handled will affect the value of your property and the repsonsibility that the insurance company will take. Handling every event as effectively and completely as possile will allow for furture events to be covered, as you have proven that you always mitigate damages.
- Your water damage or mold professional should be willing to assit in filing a claim and claim management with the insuance company. It is perfectly acceptable to initiate a conversation with the insurance company and relay the information to the vendor to take it from there.