Water Leaks that Can Cause Water Damage/Mold Growth
Mold spores can start to grow on moist surfaces in as little as 24 to 48 hours. This is why you need to be able to recognize the typical methods through which water might enter your home and foster the growth of mold.
Below we listed the culprits that may cause indoor mold and further damage.
1. Roof Leaks
Although little roof leaks might not appear to do much harm, the destructive power of water should never be disregarded. The effects of a leaking roof extend beyond structural damage. The threats to one's health and safety are likewise very great.
The attic also experiences ongoing roof leakage and water infiltration. If given the chance, water will frequently seep from the attic all the way down to the foundation. This leads to significant damage along the route and gives mold additional room to spread.
2. Flooding
If you have a flooded home or basement, you need to check it right away for visible mold. Mold spores can begin colonizing in as little as a day or two, as was already mentioned. The mold, though, could not show up for a few weeks. Flooding produces excess humidity, which makes it possible for mold spores to quickly spread throughout a property.
3. Malfunctioning AC Units
When an AC unit is operating properly, it serves as your home's dehumidifier. It does this by cycling extra indoor moisture out of your house. Nevertheless, if your AC unit's drainage tube is blocked, it may begin to leak water and develop mold inside the unit surrounding it.
4. Leaking pipe
Leaky plumbing can result in a number of issues, such as the eventual development of mold and mildew. Pipes are often placed inside walls or behind fixtures, so leaks frequently go unnoticed and cause moisture to accumulate in ceilings, beneath flooring, and behind walls.
Mold frequently starts to grow by the time a leak is found. A general musty odor near the walls or flooring, audible water dripping or rushing inside the walls, and discoloration on the walls, ceilings, and baseboards are typical identifications of a water leak.
If you car get flooded, check this guide for removing mould out of cabin.
Can Mold Cause Health Issues?
There are countless varieties of mold, some of which are deadly, can cause cancer, infections, allergies, and other diseases.
Children and those with weakened immune systems should avoid exposure to toxic mold at all costs. An immunocompromised individual may get a lung infection from mold or another condition that causes long-term problems, like difficulty breathing and, in some circumstances, death.
Children are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems as a result of mold particles and wet air. In actuality, kids who live in moldy homes have a five-fold increased risk of developing asthma compared to those who don't.
When indoor mold invades a person's home or they inhale a lot of airborne spores, even healthy people can become ill. A quarter of the population is genetically predisposed to getting sick from mold because their bodies can't handle the poison.
How To Test For Mold
You can check your home for mold in a variety of methods. Nearly all hardware stores sell mold tests that you can conduct at home. Moreover, mold testing should be performed by professional mold remediation company as it can be highly difficult or even dangerous. You might not interpret the findings accurately if you don't have much experience with mold. In the event that the proper chain of custody is not followed during the testing procedure, there is also the chance of test results being contaminated.
The best approach to determine whether mold is present in your home after water damage is to have a professional inspection and testing done. In contrast to DIY tests, identifying mold for qualified professional mold inspectors is easy and the can locate the source, location, and level of mold growth.
How To Prevent Mold Growth from Water Damage?
Just evaluating and reducing the damage as soon as you can is a significant step you can take to stop mold from growing until assistance arrives. In most insurance contracts, the term "mitigating the loss" refers to your obligation to take all reasonable steps to limit the harm.
- While you wait for assistance, there are certain clear-cut dos and don'ts to follow when dealing with water damage and possible mold growth. In particular, if your home is the cause of the water damage, turn off the water there.
- Make sure to turn off all heating and cooling systems. If you can, keep your house at a comfortable temperature without turning on the central air conditioning. The drying process can be complicated by excessive coolness or heat.
- All fans in the home, including free-standing, box, and ceiling fans, should be turned off. Spreading mold spores throughout the house is frequently a risk when using fans to dry off water.
- Any personal items on the ground that would increase your loss should be picked up.
Why do you need steam cleaner for mold remediation
A steam cleaner is an effective tool for mold remediation because it uses high temperature steam to kill and remove mold from surfaces. Mold spores thrive in moist environments and can quickly spread, causing health problems and damage to your home. Chemicals and bleach may temporarily remove mold, but they do not eliminate the spores. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, use temperatures over 212°F to kill the mold at its source, effectively removing it without leaving behind any harmful residues. Additionally, steam cleaners can reach into small spaces and cracks, ensuring that all the mold is eliminated. Using a steam cleaner for mold remediation is a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly way to protect your home and your health from mold.
Best steam cleaners for mold remediation
Fortador PRO line - industrial steam cleaners
The Fortador PRO is a powerful industrial steam cleaner designed for mold remediation. With a maximum pressure of 16 Bar and a maximum temperature of 374°F, it is capable of removing even the toughest mold and bacteria from various surfaces. The PRO Max model also comes equipped with a high-performance vacuum system, which can suck up debris and moisture as it cleans, leaving surfaces completely dry and free of mold spores. This steam cleaner is highly efficient, producing steam continuously for up to 4 hours with just one tank of water, which means less downtime for refilling.
Additionally, the Fortador PRO is built to last with a sturdy stainless steel frame and a user-friendly digital control panel. The PRO is an excellent choice for industrial mold remediation, providing a fast and effective solution for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
Fortador Volt Mini - compact fully electrical steamer
The Fortador Volt Mini is a portable steam cleaner designed for mold remediation in small spaces. Despite its compact size, it packs a powerful punch with a maximum pressure of 7 Bar and a maximum temperature of 338°F. Its lightweight and ergonomic design make it easy to use, even in tight spaces. The Volt Mini is equipped with a 1-liter water tank, which provides up to 30 minutes of continuous steam, and it heats up quickly, reaching its maximum temperature in just 3 minutes. It comes with a variety of attachments, including a nozzle, brushes, and a flexible hose, which make it versatile for different surfaces and applications. The Volt Mini is an excellent choice for mold remediation in homes, offices, and small commercial spaces, providing a fast and effective solution for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
If you car has mould smell, check this guide for removing mould smell out of car.
8 Steps of Water Damage Restoration
If you don't want to call a restoration company, it is possible to conduct a water damage restoration without professional help. The long you delay the cleanup, the more likely you will have permanent damage.
Step 1: Inspect For Mold
Check for mold on damaged items. In the correct circumstances, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. For long-term problems, such mold brought on by condensation in the attic, the mold may have already begun to grow a long time ago. And you must exercise extreme caution if mold problems are discovered. All mold is extremely harmful to the materials it infests, and some mold is hazardous to humans.
Cut out the affected material, bag it, and discard it right away if there are only minor mold issues. Go away from the area, turn off any airflow (to prevent spore contamination), and call a specialist if there is substantial mold growth. Keep in mind that mold can appear in hidden areas like inside wall cavity, behind wall coverings, ceiling tiles, and any other wet areas that mold to grow.
Step 2: Dry Areas That Were Affected
It's critical to eliminate all moisture as soon as possible to prevent further harm. This may not be challenging for minor breaches, but it's crucial to be thorough. To move air around the afflicted area, use fans. Consider renting a large-capacity dehumidifier for bigger tasks to thoroughly dry out the surrounding wood, carpet, and other materials. Following the water damage repair, you don't want any moisture to remain.
Step 3: Remove Damaged Materials
Carpet, insulation, textiles, and similar goods are examples of porous materials. It could be necessary to cut them out and discard them if they have been submerged in water. Most porous materials will be permanently warped or shrunk by water, and they will be further harmed by mildew. Moreover, you might try isolating and drying out any furniture you want to keep but the harm might already be done, especially if you notice water damage to the drywall. Keep in mind that porous materials also include drywall, wood, and unsealed cement.
Step 4: Disinfect
Sanitization is one of the most important steps to take when home water damage occurs. The most common choice for disinfecting is a bleach solution, but the most efficient and fast way is to use a steam cleaner.
Steam cleaners are perfect for mold removal as well as cleaning up process that is required when experiencing water damage. Steamers are able to battle against germs and bacteria due to the high pressure and high temperature that no germ can withstand.
One of the best steam cleaners on the market is the Fortador Pro. This machine can easily remove mold, get rid of musty smell, clean out any dried dirt, and more! This steam cleaner is so powerful that no usage of any chemicals is necessary. Fortador Pro comes with addition of accessories that will help make the cleanup process easier and faster. We have variety of guides of how to use this machine on our website. All you need to do is apply steam on affected area, and watch the dirt slide right off.
Check our guide for hardwood floors cleaning.
Step 5: Ceiling Repair
Gravity puts ceilings that have been damaged by water at greater risk: They shouldn't be sagging or collapsing. Hence, first remove any problematic ceiling boards or panels. It's critical to identify the true source of the leak, which may be far from the water stain if the ceiling leak is the result of a roofing issue.
In addition, check to see whether any beams or rafters were structurally harmed by the water. To learn how much it will cost to replace a water-damaged ceiling, get in touch with experts.
Step 6: Replace Damaged Wood
It will be necessary to repair any significantly warped wood (especially flooring), decaying wood, or wood that has become infested with mold or mildew. Before replacing broken boards, pry them apart and give the area beneath them a good cleaning. Also, if the wood is a structural part of your home, you must replace it with extreme caution to ensure that the structure will be properly supported both during and after the water damage repair project.
Learn more industrial steam mops in our detailed article.
Step 7: Install New Floors
Water damage to your floor is frequently visible, from wet carpets to swollen floorboards. But if you're unsure, you should examine right away in case moisture has managed to get trapped underneath. It should be noted that padding and underlayment are particularly prone to water damage and must typically be removed.
Step 8: Replace Drywall
It can be hard to figure out if replacing drywall is necessary or how much of it should be removed. In general, you need to replace the entire sheet of drywall if it has swollen or sagged 3/8 of an inch or more from the baseline. Instead, you can remove the water-damaged area and repair it. Also, don't forget to look for damage in the insulation located under the drywall.
Summary
A steam cleaner is a mandatory tool for mold remediation because it uses high-temperature steam to kill and remove mold from surfaces effectively. Mold can cause health problems and damage to your property if left untreated, and steam cleaners provide an eco-friendly and efficient solution. Chemicals and bleach may temporarily remove mold, but they do not eliminate the spores. Steam cleaners use temperatures over 212°F to kill the mold at its source, effectively removing it without leaving behind any harmful residues. Additionally, steam cleaners can reach into small spaces and cracks, ensuring that all the mold is eliminated. Overall, using a steam cleaner for mold remediation is a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly way to protect your property and your health from mold.