Do you know that about 70 percent of homes in the United States have molds? They are so ubiquitous that many people think they are no big deal.
In reality, they can be dangerous, especially for older people, children, and those with compromised or weakened immune systems.
They are even one of the leading triggers of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and nasal allergies? When people inhale them, they can cause the immune system to overreact.
In turn, the body releases a substance called histamine that can cause the airways to swell and produce mucus, leading to such symptoms as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
In some cases, those highly sensitive to mold can develop more severe conditions like cognitive decline and recurrent infections.
These fungi can also damage your home. They can make any space appear unsightly, smell musty, and be a breeding ground for insects. Don’t be surprised if no one likes being in your house for a long time, or you’re struggling to get it off the market if you’re selling it.
Molds are everywhere, but they need the perfect environment to breed. They love damp, humid, and warm conditions.
Anywhere there’s water or moisture, there’s a good chance they’ll be present. That includes leaky pipes, condensation on windows, and even houseplants that are overwatered.
That’s why if you’re dealing with water damage, then more likely, you will see molds in no time. But the question is, how long does it take for water damage to cause mold?
This Is How Fast Molds Can Spread
The answer depends on the condition of the area. If mold is already present, then it can take only 24 to 48 hours after water damage for the fungi to appear and multiply.
Many factors can explain why molds can develop so fast:
- Molds are spores: They are small, lightweight, and sometimes invisible to the naked eye. They can travel through the air and enter your home through open doors, windows, or ventilation systems.
- They’re looking for food: Molds will eat anything organic like wood, paper, or fabrics.
- They need moisture: To grow and reproduce, molds need a water source.
- They’re tough: Molds can survive in extreme conditions, such as dry, cold, or hot environments.
- People can also spread molds: If you have molds in your home, you can unknowingly transfer them to other areas by walking on contaminated spaces and then touching other surfaces.
Because of all these reasons, you have two urgent goals as soon as you experience water damage: how to get rid of the water, which feeds the mold, and how to say goodbye to the fungi for good.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Team ASAP
Many homeowners attempt to fix water damage by themselves to save costs. However, unless the problem is small, they might be doing more harm than good.
First, several don’t know how molds work, so they end up spreading the spores than containing them. Second, and perhaps more severely, they are exposing themselves to these potentially dangerous fungi.
The best way to tackle mold growth and water damage is to call restoration experts ASAP. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find Someone Who Can Work on Emergencies
As soon as possible, look for a restoration company that can work on emergencies. Water damage is considered one because it can cause more problems if left unaddressed.
This business often has an active customer support line you can call anytime and is available 24 hours a day, sometimes 365 years a year.
Keep in mind, however, that you don’t have to wait until you already have water damage before you look for a contractor. You can already do that even before the accident happens.
2. Look for a Contractor with Insurance and License
Check if the contractor is licensed and insured. It would be best to work with someone who has both general liability insurance and workman’s compensation.
The first will protect you from any damages or injuries that might occur while they’re working on your property. The second one will take care of their employees in case they get hurt while doing the job.
3. Ask for References and Reviews
Any good contractor will be more than happy to give you a list of past clients, along with their contact information. You can also check review websites like Yelp or Google My Business to see what others are saying about them.
4. Search for a Team That Offers a Wide Range of Services
Some water damage restoration experts do not specialize in mold removal. Thus, you might have to look for another company to take care of the fungi.
It would be best if you can find a team that offers both water damage restoration and mold removal services. That way, you can be sure that your home is in good hands, and you don’t have to look for another contractor.
5. Get an Estimate in Writing
Molds are expensive to get rid of. Thus, before any work is started, make sure you get an estimate in writing.
This document should include the services that will be rendered, the materials that will be used, and the price. It’s also a good idea to have a timeline for the project.
This will help you avoid any surprises and make sure that the contractor is doing what he said he would do.
6. Know Their Water Damage Restoration Process
As a homeowner, you need to know how the contractor plans to fix the water damage. Some companies will dry out the area and then leave. Others will sanitize everything, including the air.
The best way to get rid of molds is by both drying out the area and removing the spores from the air. The former will prevent any more water from coming in, while the latter will make sure that there are no mold particles left that can cause an allergic reaction.
7. Ask for a Warranty
Most restoration companies offer a warranty for their services. This means that if the molds come back within a certain time, they will come and fix it for free.
Make sure you get this in writing, too. It should include the date range, as well as what’s covered and what’s not.
Water damage can be a costly problem to deal with, but it’s nothing compared to the cost of getting sick because of mold growth. By following these tips, you can make sure that your home is safe and free from any molds.