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What to do if you suffered water damage and mold after a storm

Are you suffering from flooding, water damage or mold growth after a recent storm? Are you unsure what to do about it or where to start? Well, you have come to the right place! Excess water due to flooding, a burst pipe, a leaky roof, storm damage can cause major problems. Water can affect the integrity of the building, can ruin material items or electronics and more. Unfortunately, it doesn’t just end with water damage as mold will typically soon follow.

Below is some information about water damage, the best steps to take, information about mold and more.

What should I do if I have water damage after a storm?

  • Stop the leak (shut off the water to your house or cover a hole in your roof)
  • Call your insurance provider
  • Remove the standing water
  • Remove rugs, fabrics, and any other removable material that can absorb water and grow mold
  • Start the drying process (open windows and turn on fans)
  • Wash the area thoroughly
  • Call a moisture specialist to evaluate the area

How quickly can mold grow after water damage occurs?

Under ideal conditions (ideal temperature and moisture levels), mold can germinate and grow as quickly as 24-48 hours. In as little as 24 hours, mold can begin to damage the surface it is developing on and decrease your indoor air quality. Generally, mold spores colonize between 3-12 days and are visible to the naked eye after 18-21 days. The timeline will vary based on the conditions and the type of mold.

Keep in mind that mold does not need standing water or complete saturation to grow. Mold can still develop and spread damp or humid conditions, especially if there is little air flow.

Where are the most common places to find mold after a storm?

  • Basements
  • Crawlspaces
  • Attics
  • Under cabinets
  • Laundry Rooms
  • Drywall

How can I keep mold from growing after water damage?

  • Remove excess water
  • Dry out the area (proper drying is important- you may think the space is dry but there is still moisture lurking in your baseboards and drywall)
  • Call a mold/moisture professional to test and confirm everything is completely dry and there is no mold present

Is mold removal covered by my homeowner’s insurance policy?

Mold removal and damage claims are covered by most property insurance policies if the mold resulted from a “covered peril”. This may include things like fire control, storms, major leaks, etc. Some insurance companies also offer limited coverage for mold or fungus if you pay an additional premium. It is best to check directly with the insurance provider to confirm the extent of your coverage. Either way, it is definitely worth finding out prior scheduling the mold removal.

Conclusion

Water damage and mold are not something to sleep on or mess with! Call to consult your insurance provider to see if the mold removal and water damage repair is covered. Storm damage is stressful enough, call a mold/moisture professional for a free inspection and consultation to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

8 replies
  1. Water Damage
    Water Damage says:

    I’ve noticed that there are clusters of small black spots in our kitchen sink. Yesterday, our kitchen sink began to leak, I am now bothered that these show signs of mold growth. Thanks for the article you provided on how to spot water damage in the house. I’m glad you mentioned in your article that it’s necessary to call for a water damage expert to fix the issue. With that, I will take note of your advice and find one.

  2. Daniel Reilly
    Daniel Reilly says:

    Mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem.

    Regards,
    Daniel

  3. Eli Richardson
    Eli Richardson says:

    It really helped when you talked about where to look in your home for mold after a storm. The other day, we had a storm passing by our neighborhood. We checked for possible leaks, and we didn’t find any, but after reading your piece, we think we should make a more thorough search to avoid any mold. We also think it might be better to hire a professional to check it out. We’re grateful for your tips about what to do after a storm.

  4. Rebecca Gardner
    Rebecca Gardner says:

    I was surprised when you said that mold can begin to decrease our indoor air quality as soon as it starts growing. My husband and I discovered a leak in our basement bathroom last night and unsure what to do next. Thanks for helping me see why hiring a professional water damage service would be worth the cost to protect our family’s health.

  5. Adam Golightly
    Adam Golightly says:

    My brother has been thinking about getting rid of the water damage in his kitchen because the pipes are leaking. He would really like to prevent mold from growing by getting it cleaned up by a professional. Thanks for explaining how mold can spread when there isn’t airflow in an area where there is standing water.

  6. Eli Richardson
    Eli Richardson says:

    It really helped when you talked about mold growth after water damage. Recently, my wife and I came back from our vacation, and we found out our basement’s flooded! There was a storm a few days ago, and we’re worried about our home’s structure, so we’ll be sure to follow your advice and call a professional. Thanks for the tips on how to deal with water damage.

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