No matter what causes water damage, mould is often a danger that develops afterwards. Learn why mould growth is an undesirable health hazard that must be dealt with immediately. And get expert advice on how to safely remove and prevent mould problems in the future.
How Mould Develops After Water Damage
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in wet or moist conditions. Naturally, when you have water damage, it’s the perfect environment for mould to grow. Although some growth occurs in plain sight, it’s frequently found in out-of-sight places, making it harder to battle after water damage. In fact, mould does best in spots with poor ventilation, so it often grows behind walls and under carpets.
The longer water and moisture remain in place, the more hospitable the site is for mould growth. That’s why it often occurs after floods and slow pipe leaks over time. If water extraction doesn’t begin soon enough, or if a leak goes undetected, water sits on surfaces, and mould starts to develop.
Health Hazards of Black Mould
Mould is more than an unsightly nuisance. It’s actually a major health concern that can cause or aggravate a wide variety of conditions and can make existing allergies or asthma much worse. It can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis — a type of lung inflammation from breathing allergens or toxic substances. And it can incite new respiratory problems in people, forcing hospitalisation or chronic illness.
Signs of illness caused by mould exposure:
- Coughing and difficulty breathing
- Eye irritation and burning
- Sore throat
- Itching and rashes
- Respiratory system infections
- Weight loss
- Extreme fatigue or lethargy
People with existing respiratory problems are more susceptible to mould hazards. Also, babies, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most likely to develop health problems from mould exposure.
The Best Way to Prevent Mould After Water Damage from a Flood
Mould prevention after floods and similar disasters should commence as soon as possible. Again, the longer water remains where it shouldn’t be, the more mould is likely to gain a toehold.
If you have a flood-damaged house or business, follow these steps to get started on the path back to making your structure habitable again:
- Make sure the area is safe for occupants, which might entail leaving until water damage restoration is complete. Shut off electrical power to avoid the risk of shock. Remember that toxic chemicals from sewage or elements outside the building may be present.
- Call professional water damage and mould removal experts, like Water Damage & Restoration Services, for assistance right away.
- Notify your insurance agent or carrier to get started on filing a claim so you can be reimbursed for damage and items lost to flooding.
Once we recieve your call our team is in action, here’s what you can expect:
- We inspect the site to see what the job involves.
- Site safety is double-checked, and the area is cordoned off.
- Using pumps and extraction equipment, water is removed from the building, along with any non-restorable items that have been permanently damaged.
- Moisture detection tools help identify where hidden moisture may still be promoting mould growth, particularly in hard-to-see areas.
- The process of cleaning, sanitising, and deodorising begins, using antimicrobial tools to remove mould. Sometimes this entails removing carpeting and structural elements to get at hidden mould. We partner with contractors to get everything restored to normal quickly. Our goal is to get you back into your living space or to reduce downtime for your business.
- Rapid drying is then employed to help restore the building as quickly as possible.
- Air purification is utilised to remove allergens, particles, and unwanted odours.
- Carpets are washed and deodorised, leaving them as good as before, if not better.
- A compliance certificate is issued once the job is complete.
How Do You Prevent Mould After a Water Leak?
Whilst most people imagine floods when they think of water damage, slow leaks can also be devastating. Broken, dripping pipes can go unnoticed for a long time in both homes and businesses, causing extensive water damage that leads to mould growth.
Signs of a Water Leak
Do you have a water leak that could potentially lead to water damage and mould? Look for these symptoms:
- Dripping sounds when the water is off
- Stains on walls, ceilings, or flooring
- Water pooling where it shouldn’t
- Unusually high water bills
- Musty odours that are hard to trace
- Increased presence of vermin
Steps to Solve Water Leaks and Resultant Mould
The first step in solving this problem is to identify the source of the leak. If a broken pipe is behind a wall or under the slab, this may require a plumber to use special camera imaging to visualise the exact location. Then, the leak must be repaired.
Once no more water is flowing to the area and any water extraction has been performed, mould remediation can begin. Because you may not be able to see the extent of the damage and mould growth, it’s essential to hire professional mould removal experts.
At Water Damage & Restoration Services, we employ a moisture detection device to determine where mould is likely to flourish. Next, we perform cleaning and sanitising of carpeting and structural elements to remove mould and sanitise the area, just as after a flood — albeit usually on a smaller scale. This ensures no unpleasant odours remain and makes the space safe again from the hazards of mould.
Decreasing Your Chances of Future Mould Problems
Once you have completed mould remediation, how can you reduce the likelihood of a future recurrence? First, know the signs of a water leak, as listed above. Never wait to address the problem, as it’s only going to get worse over days and weeks.
If you have old pipes, replace them as soon as you are able. Many old plumbing systems develop pinhole leaks that can grow with age. Watch for the presence of tree roots or other infiltrators that can crack or lift pipes and create leaks.
Even better, consider using a leak detection system, which will alert you to the presence of a broken pipe immediately. These systems monitor your plumbing for changes in water pressure and volume. They can message you via mobile phone, and some even shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.
Northern NSW and Gold Coast Mould Remediation
You can minimise damage and mould growth by acting quickly after a water incident. It’s also vital to partner with a team with the necessary experience and technology in water damage restoration and mould remediation.
Water Damage & Restoration Services should be the first number you call for mould removal assistance in northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast. We offer 100% total satisfaction with all water damage restoration and mould removal jobs and bring 15 years of experience to every challenge.
Our services include:
- Water and storm damage restoration
- Wet carpet drying
- Sewage cleanup
- Structural drying
- Subfloor, wood, and hard floor drying
- Mould remediation
At Water Damage & Restoration Services, we understand that leaks and flooding don’t usually happen at the most convenient times. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to help you.
Need immediate assistance removing water or getting rid of mould from past water damage? Ring us on 0499 901 334 today. Or use our easy online contact form to let us know how we can help you get your home, business, or rental property back to normal.
