Mold needs moisture to grow, which is why it so often follows water damage. If wet drywall, carpet, wood, or insulation isn't dried quickly, mold can start growing, and the EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent it.
Broken Arrow's humid summers make prompt drying especially important. This page covers what to do if you've found mold after water damage, what you can handle yourself, and when it's a job for a professional.
What mold after water damage involves
Dealing with mold after water damage means two things: removing the mold-damaged materials or cleaning the mold off surfaces that can be cleaned, and fixing the moisture problem that let it grow. Without the second step, mold comes back.
Mold remediation is sometimes a separate specialty from water damage restoration. Some water damage providers handle both; others refer mold work out. Ask.
Common causes
- Water damage that wasn't fully dried
- Materials that look dry on the surface can stay wet inside walls, under floors, and in insulation. See water mitigation.
- Slow, hidden leaks
- Drips behind walls, under sinks, or around toilets can go unnoticed long enough for mold to grow.
- Roof and attic leaks
- Wet attic insulation and roof decking are common mold spots. See ceiling water damage.
- Floodwater and sewage
- Contaminated water soaks porous materials, which are usually removed for that reason. See flood cleanup.
- High indoor humidity
- Poor ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces can support mold even without a leak.
What to do right now
- Find and stop the water source; the mold won't stay gone otherwise.
- Keep people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems away from the area.
- Avoid disturbing large areas of mold, which can spread spores.
- Photograph the mold and any water damage for your records and insurance.
- Lower humidity with a dehumidifier and ventilation if you can do so without blowing air across the mold.
What to avoid
- Don't just paint or caulk over mold; it can keep growing underneath.
- Don't mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners; the fumes are dangerous.
- Don't run fans aimed at moldy areas, which can spread spores through the house.
- Don't try to clean large areas, or mold in HVAC ducts, yourself.
Can I clean it myself?
The EPA's general guidance is that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3-by-3-foot patch), you can usually clean it yourself with appropriate precautions, such as gloves, eye protection, and an N-95 respirator. Hard surfaces can be scrubbed with detergent and water and dried completely. Porous materials like drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles that are moldy usually need to be removed.
When it's a job for a professional
Large areas, mold inside walls or HVAC systems, mold after sewage or floodwater, or anyone in the home with health concerns are all reasons to bring in a professional rather than doing it yourself.
Keeping it from coming back
- Fix leaks promptly and dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
- Keep indoor humidity low; the EPA recommends ideally between 30 and 50 percent.
- Use bathroom and laundry exhaust fans.
- Keep gutters clear and grade soil away from the foundation.
- Have a moisture meter check walls and floors after any water damage, not just a visual look.
Damage it can cause
- Mold on the back of drywall and inside wall cavities
- Moldy carpet pad and subfloor
- Contaminated attic insulation
- Persistent musty odors
- Mold spread through HVAC ducts
When professional help may be appropriate
- The mold covers more than about 10 square feet
- Mold is inside walls, ceilings, or HVAC ducts
- It followed a flood or sewage backup
- Someone in the home has asthma, allergies, or health concerns
- Mold keeps coming back after cleaning
If any of these apply, it may be time to talk to a provider.
Call Now for Water Damage HelpQuestions to ask a provider
- Do you handle mold remediation, or only water damage drying?
- How will you find and fix the moisture source?
- How will you contain the work area so spores don't spread?
- Which materials will be removed versus cleaned?
- How will you confirm the area is dry before rebuilding?
Providers you reach through this site are independent. Verify licensing, insurance, and pricing directly with them before authorizing work.
Mold After Water Damage: common questions
How soon can mold grow after water damage?
Mold can start growing within a day or two on materials that stay wet, which is why the EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
It depends on the policy and the cause. Mold from a sudden, covered water loss may be covered, sometimes with limits; mold from long-term leaks or humidity often isn't. See water damage insurance basics and check your policy.
Do I need mold testing?
Often not. If you can see or smell mold, the EPA notes that sampling usually isn't necessary; the priority is removing it and fixing the moisture.