Water Damaged Walls Mold

The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest.

Water damaged walls mold.

In the first two days after water damage occurs mold begins its initial germination and growth. If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls. Mold on walls and baseboards. Weather the water damage is the result of a storm surge or a leaky faucet when water is trapped behind walls or paneling the elements needed for mold growth will most likely be present.

When repairing water damaged rooms consider making improvements to help prevent or at least minimize future damage and mold growth. 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. Between the third and the twelfth day the spores begin to colonize within the structure. If the water damage inside the walls persists mold will show signs on the surface.

Pull up the carpet and take it outside in the sun. Leave it out until you have finished cleaning inside. If the water and or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. Wipe down the walls with a rag and let them dry.

Put on your ventilator mask and rubber gloves. The key to stopping mold and mildew is controlling dampness. The sun kills mold. Steps to prevent mold growth.

The walls and floors will need to be cleaned first. Next mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach with a bucket of warm water. Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor. Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems so deal with it quickly.

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. If you have health concerns consult a health professional before starting cleanup. Then between 18 and 21 days after the initial water damage the growth becomes visible as it spreads across the structure. Control indoor moisture to prevent mold.

A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present. Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture such as bathrooms kitchens. Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours. 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.

A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home.