Mold Growth After Flooding in a Home

An unprecedented number of homes took on water during Hurricane Ida. Homeowners were left to pump out waterlogged basements and line the streets with their damaged belongings. Unfortunately, Ida’s destruction will continue to manifest itself, this time in the form of mildew and mold growth, long after the floodwaters subside. Here are some tips for dealing with floodwaters in a home and the possibility of mold and mildew growth in the weeks and months that follow. 

How does mold develop

Mold spores already exist in most environments and when conditions become conducive to its growth, mold will grow and spread. Floodwaters, excess moisture, or humidity will allow mildew and mold to develop in just 24-48 hours of water exposure and will continue to grow until the problem is remediated. “Soft” areas and furnishings are most prone to mold growth including carpeting, moldings, sheetrock, ceiling tiles, insulation, furnishings, and more. 

To reduce the risk of mold growth after a flood, act quickly following these steps: 

• Be mindful of safety and turn off power to the flooded area before entering. 
• Remove the water as quickly as possible using a wet/dry shop vac or a submersible sump pump with a large, fitted hose. The larger the hose the more water the pump will be able to move out of the area. 
• Remove all wet items such as furniture, rugs, and personal items, and discard any soaked and/or moldy carpeting. Any carpet padding that has been saturated should be thrown out, do not re-use. 
• Mop up any standing water that remains. 
• Dry out the area using fans, air conditioning, and a dehumidifier. If the flooded area is large, fans alone may not be enough if the flooding was significant. Consider buying or renting a commercial-grade dehumidifier to thoroughly dry out the space in as efficient a time as possible. In order to avoid mold growth, keep humidity levels below 50%. 
• If water levels were high, some experts would suggest cutting out wet sheetrock and remove insulation as soon as possible. Insulation holds water in for long periods creating a perfect environment for mold growth in unseen areas. We suggest contacting a mold remediation specialist to survey the scope of the damage and determine the best course of action. A professional will also contain the mold growth as quickly as possible and properly filter the air in the home while treatment takes place. 
• Be on the lookout for signs of visible mold growth such as discoloration on walls, flooring, or ceilings. Moldy or musty odors are another telltale sign. Odors are often described as dirty or earthy. 
• We recommend homeowners consult the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters found here. 

What to do if you discover mold

According to the FEMA website, it is recommended that a homeowner consult a professional mold contactor if they are unaware of how large the affected area of mold growth is or if it is visibly larger than twenty-five square feet. 

If the area of mold growth is smaller than a five-by-five area you can use a commercial cleaner or a disinfectant chlorine bleach to clean the area. Mix 1-1/4 cups of bleach to a gallon of water. Be sure to use protective gear over your nose, mouth, eyes, and skin. Mold can be thoroughly cleaned off of hard surfaces such as metal, plastic, or wood. 

Mold & Your Health

Mold can be a danger to anyone with severe allergies, asthma, or a severe respiratory ailment. However, mold testing is rarely recommended as it is not a good indicator of whether or not people living in a home will have an adverse reaction to mold growth. If you notice a mold problem, it is best to contact a reputable mold remediation firm to survey the damage and put together a remediation plan in place. 

Continue to Monitor for Mold

If your home took on water during the recent storms continue to monitor the area for mold growth. Even if waters quickly subsided, moisture could lurk in unseen areas of the home causing mold colonies to develop. Remain on alert and inspect the area for signs of mold growth. Do a visual check of the areas often and be aware of mold or musty smells that may develop. Continue to run a commercial-grade dehumidifier in the space to remove moisture that may remain in the area. When in doubt contact a mold remediation professional.

Questions to ask a Mold Remediation Specialist Prior to Hiring Them

When hiring a mold contractor ensure that they have experience in this area of work. Unfortunately, after natural disasters, unscrupulous businesses may attempt to perform specialized work they are not otherwise trained to do. Ask the following questions to understand whether a business is qualified to perform the work:

1. How long have you been performing mold remediation work? Do you have customer testimonials or evidence of past work you have completed? 
2. Do you take steps to contain the mold growth and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the home or business?
3. How do you protect the air in the home to limit the mold spores from spreading throughout the home during the remediation process?
4. How do you protect the remainder of the home from allowing the mold to spread during the removal of contaminated items from the home?
5. Is your team skilled to fully complete the repairs or will I need to hire a home improvement company to finish the work?