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!
If you’re looking for a roofing company in Nicholasville, Kentucky, then contact the team at Jacob’s Ladder today for a quote.
Request Quote Call (859) 379-9137Check 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.
Local Reviews
for Nicholasville, KY
Wonderful experience!
Hannah - Nicholasville, KY 40356
We had such a wonderful experience using Jacob’s Ladder. After contacting several different companies, they were the only ones who responded quickly and they had the best price. Would absolutely use again!
Fast and reliable
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Fast and reliable professional service!
Professional. Timely. Great Work
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Two thumbs up
Ann - Nicholasville, KY 40356
Friendly, courteous office personnel. Knowledgeable roof inspector. Timely scheduling. Efficient workers who left the site near, clean, and free of debris! Two thumbs up on the whole experience!
I would highly recommend Jacob’s Ladder
Mark - Nicholasville, KY 40356
Andrea was Great and everyone else I talked with there. I got a new roof and the whole process was done professionally. They did a great job on the roof and cleaned up very well around the house. I would highly recommend Jacob’s Ladder.
Very happy
Anthony - Nicholasville, KY 40356
Very happy with the services, they did a great job with the roof, clean-up, and communications.
Quick Turn Around
Erika - Nicholasville, KY 40356
We have some shingles blow off in the recent storm. Jacob's Ladder helped us out, worked with our insurance, and turned the job around quickly. Thanks!
Professional and helpful
Wilburn - Nicholasville, KY 40356
Contacted Jacobs Ladder to have my roof replaced. Very professional and very helpful with all the questions I had regarding my roof. New roof looks great! Thanks again
Roof Replacement for a townhouse
Brian - Nicholasville, KY 40356
From start to finish, every contact with this company was extremely professional and pleasant. They were replacing a roof next door to us and I inquired about doing some repairs. After inspecting our roof, they recommended filing an insurance claim for a full replacement. The owner of the company worked closely with us and went above and beyond when our claim was initially denied. The work crew was prompt, courteous and efficient. The end result was a beautiful new roof. They even filed our warranty paperwork with Owens Corning. It was a pleasure doing business with Jacob's Ladder. Highly recommended for their professionalism and personal touch every step of the way!
Above and Beyond
Keith - Nicholasville, KY 40356
Went above and beyond to fix my roof leak. Patched trouble spots beyond where the leak even was