In Tampa’s hotter, humid climate, water damage is more than just a nuisance, it’s an incubator. Water causing the problem can be from tropical storms, moisture build-up from defective plumbing, or perhaps a roof leak, but whatever the cause, if the affected water is allowed to go untreated, it will not be long before real and sometimes dangerous mold infestations start to grow. The key to preventing, and treating, a water damage problem in your home is to understand how mold grows, how to identify it, and the importance of a Mold and Water Damage Specialist to intervene before the situation gets out of hand to the point where you are harming the air you breathe in your own home. If nothing else, learning about mold will help protect your home and your overall health.
The Perfect Storm: Tampa’s Climate and Mold Risks
Homeowners in Tampa are especially vulnerable to mold building big because of Florida’s unusual hot and humid subtropical climate. Think about it – the high humidity, a good amount of storms with rain creating moisture where it shouldn’t be commonly occurring in homes, obnoxiously long hurricanes and tropical storms…all these consistently create water intrusion risks across homeowners in Tampa. And the biggest problem of all here is mold spores love water.
How Mold Forms After Water Damage
When water enters your home, it can soak drywall, insulation, flooring, and even furniture. Within 24 to 48 hours of having water in your space, mold spores that were already present in the environment can begin to grow. Without immediate drying or professional assistance, these spores will develop into colonies which will produce additional spores into the environment.
Factors that may contribute to mold growth after water damage Tampa include:
- Flooding in basements from heavy rain
- Plumbing leaks under sinks or in/behind walls
- Roof leaks from storms during hurricane season
- Overflowing AC drain pans
- Poor air circulation in rooms high in moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens
Once mold begins to grow, it does not stop until the source of moisture is completely eradicated and the area is cleaned and treated.
Common Places Mold Hides After Water Damage
Mold is not always apparent. Sometimes it grows behind drywall, underneath carpets, within air ducts and also underneath insulation. Some common hiding spots for mold in Tampa homes would be:
- Behind drywall after roof or plumbing leaks
- Under laminate or hardwood flooring
- Inside your HVAC system and ductwork
- In crawls spaces or attics
- Behind your bathroom tile or vanities
If you are not regularly inspecting those areas after water damage, then mold could be growing and spreading within your home without your knowledge.
Health Risks of Mold in Water-Damaged Homes
Mold growth after experiencing water damage Tampa is alarming for a variety of reasons, including the potential to cause serious health issues. Mold can lead to respiratory problems, skin issues, chronic sinus issues, headaches, fatigue, and exacerbation of asthma and allergies. Children, seniors, and others with compromised immune systems are considered especially vulnerable to mold exposure.
There are visible signs of mold that can occur after water damage Tampa, including
- A musty or earthy smell
- Discolouration on walls, ceilings or floors
- Increased allergy symptoms while indoors
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Visible mold growth (black, green, white or grey in color)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a water incident, it is essential to reach out to Mold and Water Damage Specialists as soon as possible to have them assess and remediate the situation.
The Role of Mold and Water Damage Specialists
Here’s how Mold & Water Damage Specialists take care of restoring your home:
1. Thorough Mold Inspection
Using thermal imaging and moisture meters, specialists will find both visible and hidden mold. They will check an entire home that has had any previous water damage behind drywall, under flooring, and in the attic to analyze how much of the mold is there and what is the extent of the damage.
2. Water Damage Drying and Mitigation
Before any work can begin towards mold removal, we need to get rid of the source of moisture. Using industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture control technology, the team can dry the entire affected area.
3. Safe and Effective Mold Removal
Once the area is dry, professionals begin the water damage mold removal Tampa process. This often involves removing damaged drywall, flooring, or insulation and applying EPA-approved antimicrobial treatments to stop mold from returning.
4. Air Quality Testing and Monitoring
After the specialists have finished removing mold, they will complete air quality tests to ensure mold spore levels are back to safe levels. This is crucial for homeowners who have experienced health symptoms from living in mold.
Preventing Mold After Water Damage
You play a significant role in prevention. Quick actions and maintenance play a considerable role in preventing future mold growth. Here are specific things you can do to prevent mold growth in your home:
- Dry the area quickly. Immediately, within 24 hours, dry every flooded or leaky area. Remove any wet carpets, furniture, or materials from flooded areas, and perform ventilation as described above to get rid of moisture.
- Call professionals. If too much time has passed, and the work takes a long time, mold is going to reproduce and spread. Get a trained, licensed, mold expert and water damage specialist to conduct an evaluation, determine the next steps, and begin drying and remediating.
- Improve ventilation. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove humidity. Improve attic and crawl space ventilation to reduce humidity.
- Fix leaks. All leaks need to be repaired. Whether the leak is due to something falling off your roof, an appliance with a broken pipe, or a malfunctioning AC unit, the sooner you fix it, the better.
- Maintain regular inspections. Have your water damage and inspection completed, particularly in Tampa, at least every year. A regular inspection could limit or eliminate problems for many years. Trained, licensed professionals can recognize moisture damage before it becomes evident damage, and they can complete preventative maintenance.
Preventing mold after flooding Tampa requires an active homeowner and the professional assistance of a solution company. Homeowners can avoid problems with direct steps and involvement, along with the assistance of the correct professionals, which can reduce costs and protect bedrooms and home health.
Conclusion
Tampa homes are at risk for mold due to water damage, but it does not have to turn into a long-term issue with certified Mold and Water Damage professionals. Knowing what molds are and their indications and health risks will prepare homeowners to react quickly. If something has happened, or to mitigate the risk of something happening, calling The Water Damage Pros is a good decision.
They service Tampa and St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Riverview, Palm Harbour, and many other areas of Tampa Bay! As a licensed and insured company that works 24/7, they are always available for emergencies, located in Tampa and Clearwater, and use best-in-class technology, paired with trained and considerate professionals, The Water Damage Pros are proud to partner with Tampa residents for water damage mold removal Tampa, and beyond.
