How to Check for Mold After Water Damage

Mold is a common problem in homes, and it can be difficult to detect. So, if you are wondering exactly how to check for mold after water damage, you are not alone.

You may find mold on the walls or ceiling, but it can also grow behind walls or under floors, making it impossible to see without removing some of the floorboards or tearing down drywall. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, it’s best to hire a professional who can inspect the area for signs of mold growth and test air quality levels in your home.

Inspect the area visually first.

To begin, inspect the area visually first. Look for water damage, discoloration and stains. If you see any of these things it’s time to call in a professional mold remediation contractor.

Mold spores are everywhere and they can grow on almost any surface in your home or office environment if moisture levels are high enough (typically over 50% relative humidity). So while it’s not always necessary to hire a mold inspection company after flooding occurs, it is important that you know how to check for signs of active growth so that you can take appropriate measures if needed!

Check for mold odor.

A musty smell is often the first sign of mold, but other odors—such as cigarette smoke or cooking—can mask the odor and make it harder to identify. If you’re unsure whether or not there is a problem with the air quality of your home following water damage, and if mold growth may be present in your home or business space it’s likely time to call in a professional.

Check for moisture.

Look for wet or damp spots on the floor, walls and ceilings. If you see water damage to these areas (molds thrive in high humidity environments), there may be mold growing underneath them. Check the walls and ceiling for stains that indicate water damage. The color of the stain should match your paint or wallpaper exactly–if it’s different from what was already there, it could indicate that mold has been growing there for some time (and might still be present).

Check building materials like drywall, carpeting and wood flooring for discoloration due to mold growth underneath them. Look closely at any exposed building materials like drywall or plasterboard; if they look discolored compared to other areas of your home then there may be something wrong beneath them!

Look for visible signs of mold growth.

To find mold, look for discoloration, staining, or mold growth on the surface of materials. Mold can grow on walls, floors and ceilings.

Mold can also be found in areas where there has been water damage; this includes sinks and tubs that have leaked into the surrounding area. The presence of dampness is a common cause of mold growth even if there isn’t any visible evidence yet because it’s still too early for you to see anything growing on surfaces like drywall or wood panels (mold spores don’t need much moisture to start growing).

How to test for mold yourself

If you’re not yet ready to hire a mold inspector, there are some things that homeowners can do to check for the presence of mold on their own.

• Use an electronic device that measures humidity and temperature levels in different areas of the house. These devices aren’t perfect at detecting all types of molds but may give some indication if there is high moisture content somewhere in the house or building structure itself (i.e., wood framing).
• Use simple household items like bleach solution applied directly onto surfaces suspected of having mold growth. If bubbles form where applied, then chances are good there is indeed something growing down below that needs attention ASAP before further damage occurs!
• Consider using a commercially available home testing kit to identify the specific type of mold present in your home. These kits can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores and typically involve taking air or surface samples and sending them to a lab for analysis. While these tests are more expensive, they can provide useful information for pinpointing the root of the problem and the best course of action for repair.

Get a professional to test the air quality in your home.

If you suspect mold, it’s better to have a professional inspect your home for air quality. The EPA suggests hiring an industrial hygienist—a trained expert in this field—to carry out the inspection. You might also employ someone with mold testing experience, such as an environmental consultant or business specializing in industrial hygiene

Mold can be dangerous and difficult to detect, so it’s best to have an expert look for you.

If you suspect mold, it’s better to have a professional inspect your home for air quality. The EPA suggests hiring an industrial hygienist—a trained expert in this field—to carry out the inspection. You might also employ someone with mold testing experience, such as an environmental consultant or business specializing in industrial hygiene

Hiring a Contractor for Mold Remediation and Restoration

After mold remediation is complete, it’s important to address any physical damage left behind by the removal process. Mold removal can be a messy and invasive process, requiring repairs or renovations to damaged walls and other surfaces.

It is recommended that you hire a contractor who specializes in mold remediation and restoration to assess the damage and provide a plan for repair. This can involve replacing drywall, repairing water-damaged flooring, addressing any structural issues—all of which were caused by the mold.

The quality of work performed by a contractor depends on the individual, so it’s important to choose wisely when hiring someone. It’s always a good idea to check that your contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced in mold remediation. You should also ask for references or read online reviews so you know who you are hiring.

To ensure your home is safe and healthy for you and your family to live in, it’s important that both the mold itself—and any physical damage caused by exposure to moisture or water—are addressed. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you are unsure about how best to proceed with remediation and restoration.

Conclusion

If you have experienced water damage, it’s important to check for mold. Mold can be dangerous and difficult to detect, so it’s best to have an expert look for you. If you do find mold in your home after a flood or other incident where there was water damage, contact a professional immediately so they can remove the affected areas before any further damage occurs.