Here are a few of the less obvious drywall water damage issues.
Water damage in walls mold.
For instance put down tile or linoleum flooring instead of carpet in rooms with high humidity or where spills are common like kitchens bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems so deal with it quickly.
Leave it out until you have finished cleaning inside.
Next mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach with a bucket of warm water.
That does not mean that you have to rip down the entire wall.
Wipe down the walls with a rag and let them dry.
Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor.
Control indoor moisture to prevent mold.
For long term issues like mold caused by attic condensation the mold may have started growing a long time ago.
If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls.
The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside and in basements with poor foundation drainage.
Put on your ventilator mask and rubber gloves.
Locate the area that has water damage and draw a square around it extending it by several inches.
Example of a mold related water damage gradual damage claim.
In addition to the damage that water causes it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors where it s visible and in ductwork attics and crawlspaces where you might not notice it.
Mild exterior mold can be killed with bleach and water but the best course of action is to remove the affected piece of drywall completely.
If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it.
Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture such as bathrooms kitchens.
The walls and floors will need to be cleaned first.
A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home.
In a case where mold results directly from a covered loss or water damage that was covered by the insurance then you may have coverage for the mold remediation when you have comprehensive insurance.
Pull up the carpet and take it outside in the sun.
The sun kills mold.
Drywall forms an excellent media for mold growth because it absorbs moisture that activates mold spores and the paper backing of drywall provides cellulose a food that nourishes.
When repairing water damaged rooms consider making improvements to help prevent or at least minimize future damage and mold growth.
Mold growth begins inside wall cavities behind drywall within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion.
The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest.
A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.
Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours.
