Any moisture that enters your home is never a good time. Water damage can lead to mold, mildew, and even structural damage. This is especially paramount if you live in a location that experiences all four seasons. Mold needs four things to grow.  

• Moisture
• Food (starch or sugar)
• Temperature (Usually between 41-104 degrees)
• Oxygen

Steps to Preventing Mold

Whether moisture came from a recent storm that left you flooded or a leaking pipe, it will have the necessary elements to grow mold if water finds its way between your walls. When water damage does occur, it is best to take action to mitigate any damages and avoid mold growth. 

Dry Area Immediately 

Try to attend to the wet area as soon as you can. It is most effective to treat the area within the first 48 hours. Depending on how much water there is, a shop vac will do wonders at removing large amounts of moisture.  

Warning Signs

After you initially dry and tend to the area, it is essential not to leave it unattended and forget about it. You want to be aware of any other warning signs that may pop up later on. Mold can present a pretty recognizable odor. It gives off a musty smell and is not pleasant. Another sign will be how the area looks. It will give off a dirty appearance, or if in a bad case scenario, it may come back after cleaning the area.  

Removing Damaged Materials

If there are materials that got wet that cannot be cleaned or dried, it is best to remove them entirely. This may sound easier said than done, especially if there is damage inside a wall. Water damage in a wall can be messy as you may find yourself throwing away anything from your drywall to your insulation due to damage.  

Contact Soil-Away 

If you have dealt with water damage in the past, you know how big of a headache it can cause. Our expert team at Soil-Away is here to help with immediate cleanup of mold and water damage restoration. For more information on water damage, contact our 24/7 emergency water and flood damage cleanup at 603.641.6555.