Water Damage Walls Mold

Weather the water damage is the result of a storm surge or a leaky faucet when water is trapped behind walls or paneling the elements needed for mold growth will most likely be present.

Water damage walls mold.

The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside and in basements with poor foundation drainage. Pull up the carpet and take it outside in the sun. If the water damage inside the walls persists mold will show signs on the surface. Drywall forms an excellent media for mold growth because it absorbs moisture that activates mold spores and the paper backing of drywall provides cellulose a food that nourishes.

Leave it out until you have finished cleaning inside. If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it. Mold on walls and baseboards. Control indoor moisture to prevent mold.

Here are a few of the less obvious drywall water damage issues. Steps to prevent mold growth. If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls. The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest.

Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture such as bathrooms kitchens. A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home. Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor. In addition to the damage that water causes it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors where it s visible and in ductwork attics and crawlspaces where you might not notice it.

Put on your ventilator mask and rubber gloves. When repairing water damaged rooms consider making improvements to help prevent or at least minimize future damage and mold growth. Wipe down the walls with a rag and let them dry. The key to stopping mold and mildew is controlling dampness.

For long term issues like mold caused by attic condensation the mold may have started growing a long time ago. The walls and floors will need to be cleaned first. You may also notice peeling paint water stains on walls or ceilings buckled drywall or buckled shelves under your kitchen or bathroom sinks and a musty smell. For instance put down tile or linoleum flooring instead of carpet in rooms with high humidity or where spills are common like kitchens bathrooms and laundry rooms.

It is best to take action at this time to mitigate the damage and prevent mold growth from occuring. Next mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach with a bucket of warm water. The sun kills mold. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.

Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours.