how to check for mold after damage

How to Check for Mold After Water Damage

Water Restoration

After water damage, mold only takes 24-48 hours to form. That’s why you have to act fast and know how to check for mold after a flood, leak, or another type of water damage. 

That said, you may not always see or smell mold. Sometimes, mold can grow where we can’t see it, such as in carpet padding or in the walls. 

If you’re wondering how to check for mold, start with these steps. Then, call a professional mold removal company to make sure your house is clean and clear. 

Check for Moldy Smells

A moldy or damp smell in the house following water damage is one of the biggest signs of mold. This unpleasant, musty smell is an indication there’s mold somewhere inside. 

So what if you have a moldy smell, but you can’t find it anywhere? This is often a sign that there’s mold hiding somewhere where you can’t see it. 

Common hidden locations include: 

  • Behind the wallboard
  • Behind the drywall
  • On wet cardboard or newspaper
  • Under sinks
  • Under the carpeting
  • Behind ceiling tiles 
  • In ventilation ducts
  • Behind the fridge

Of course, these are only a few places where mold can hide. 

Look for Stains and Odors From the Carpet

After a flood, carpets are highly likely to become mold hotspots. Mold grows anywhere where there’s a lot of moisture. If your carpeting wasn’t dried enough after a flood, mold could thrive there. 

It’s crucial to check both sides of the carpeting, including the padding, for moisture and staining. 

If it’s really bad, you should remove the carpeting and padding. Mold can also spread to the baseboards and walls. That’s why it’s always a good idea to call a professional restoration company after an accident or flood. 

To prevent mold in the future, make sure to dry and sanitize any areas that were exposed to water. Eliminate all sources of water, such as a leak. Increase ventilation in any way you can by opening windows and using fans. 

Vacuum regularly and use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. 

Increased Allergies

Another sign you’re dealing with mold after water damage is increased allergy symptoms or asthma flare-ups. 

Mold has the potential to cause health issues, such as: 

  • Itchy/irritated eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Wheezing
  • Headaches

Harmful substances called mycotoxins can trigger these issues and more in sensitive individuals. 

You might also feel like you have a cold, but it doesn’t seem to go away. That runny nose and sneezing could be an indicator of a mold reaction. If you notice symptoms get worse in a certain area, or if you feel much better when you go outside, it could be mold. 

Look for Warped Paint or Wallpaper

If you plan to look for mold, check the walls for any signs of warped paint or peeling wallpaper. 

Peeling, bubbling, and cracking are all common signs of dampness. Any spots that appear distorted can be signs of moisture damage, where mold can lurk. 

Another sign of mold? Dark or discolored spots on the wall. This can often happen after a pipe leak. 

How Professionals Detect Mold

How do the pros detect the presence of mold? They take samples from the air, surfaces, and surrounding dust in the home.

These samples are then sent to a laboratory. This way, we can determine if there is any mold in an area and what type it is. 

There are many types of molds, including the well-known Stachybotrys chartarum. There is no singular type of black mold, as many molds are black. However, this is the type most people think of when they imagine “black mold” or “toxic mold.” 

Although this species is rare, it produces a higher level of mycotoxins. 

Mycotoxins from this type of mold may cause a runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, cough, sore throat, wheezing, and other symptoms in sensitive individuals. 

How PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists Help

After an accident or flood resulting in water damage, check for the above signs. If you notice any, contact a restoration specialist for an inspection. 

PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists mold removal services include: 

  • A thorough cleanup
  • The use of specialized technology
  • Remediation from industry-certified technicians 
  • Sanitization
  • Mold odor mitigation

Water damage can occur for various reasons, such as natural disasters, storms, plumbing failures, and more. Whatever the cause, it’s crucial to act fast after your home or office sustains any water damage. 

Check for mold, but remember there’s only so much you can do on your own. Our PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists professionals have the equipment and knowledge necessary to restore your home. We follow all industry standards for proper remediation. 

What to Expect From Mold Remediation

The remediation process begins by removing all compromised materials and contents. We perform a thorough cleaning using HEPA air filtration equipment and HEPA vacuums. We then perform a thorough cleaning of all surfaces using an EPA-registered cleaner. 

A third party performs a clearance test, which will ensure your property is clean and safe again. 

Complete mold removal is a task best left to the professionals, as it requires specialized equipment and disinfectants. Disturbed mold can spread and cause issues. 

We also perform water damage restoration, so rely on us the next time you have water problems. You can be sure our high-quality equipment will create the most effective drying solution. 

Not Sure How to Check for Mold? 

If you’re not sure how to check for mold, use these tips to start. If you suspect mold or are dealing with the after-effects of water damage, give us a call or send us a message

PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists is here to help. 

Last edited on 16th of October 2023