Common Water Issues That Can Lead to Black Mold
It’s a topic no one really likes to talk about. It’s creepy, it’s gross and we often get fearful when we see it. It’s a toxic black mold. Because we offer both water damage restoration in Utah as well as mold removal in Utah, we are in a unique position to talk about the exchange between the two. This will include the insipid problem of moisture issues and their influence on the growth of toxic mold.
Why Mold Grows
People who experience mold damage in their home or business are always surprised to learn that the toxic spores of mold are present in every home and in almost every setting. This is because it is a naturally occurring element and it is completely safe to us and our pets at low levels.
Mold only becomes a problem when it grows on organic surfaces from too much moisture being introduced. Things like cabinets, insulation, and drywall can become a source of food for mold when they are mixed with water and the right temperature level.
Most toxic molds flourish in temperatures from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You might notice that the typical temperature in many homes is in that range. So with mold growth, two items are always present: 1. The right temperature and 2. Food. When the third item of water is added, that is when mold issues can grow quickly out of hand!
Most Common Moisture Issues That Lead to Black Mold
If you experienced an extensive water damage incident in your home, you obviously know about the damage it causes. Surely you’re going to select a proficient water damage restoration company to fix it (hint… that’s us!). Therefore, the chances of that incident letting loose a domino effect that leads to a sizable mold problem are small assuming that the moisture was expunged swiftly.
The large mold jobs we get are usually from smaller moisture issues that developed over time and were never diagnosed. Here are some of the most common repeated water damage problems we encounter than can end with a large amount of black mold damage:
- Under Sink Leaks. Often slow leaks under kitchen or bathroom sinks go unnoticed for a while. It could be a loose connection from a supply line or a drain pipe with a small hole that causes a slow drip or drizzle. This causes water damage to the cabinet bottom and flooring underneath if left unnoticed. You’d be aghast at what we have witnessed in and on walls and under flooring after we’ve pulled out the cabinets. Always inspect yours under sink water lines.
- Small Roof Leaks. Very small leaks in your roof can go undetected for quite a while and not cause water damage that is seen from inside your home. It’s not until someone goes up into the attic to grab a storage box and then discovers the problem: mold growing everywhere. Mold on the insulation, support beams, roof decking, everywhere. Now it has become an expensive problem and it’s likely that your insurance won’t pay for the damages. To avoid this from happening, conduct an interior and exterior inspection of your roof at least once a year, preferably every 6 months. Replace damaged or missing shingles right away. Check your attic and look for signs of water intrusion.
- Pipes Leaking Inside the Wall. Sometimes we see a little mold growth on the floor next to a wall. Upon further digging, we typically find that there is a plumbing pipe inside that wall with a slow leak that deposits water on the floor inside the wall space. Often we remove the drywall to discover the issue is much bigger than just the small visible spot on the ground. The mold has often grown throughout the space inside the wall and subfloor causing much damage. The main key to avoiding this is by watching your water bill. If you notice a jump and can’t determine what it’s from, you might have an undetected leak. Now is when you want to hire a leak detection service to inspect your home to see if there is a bigger issue. At which point we could come in and remove the mold and excess moisture and repair any walls or structures that had to be torn out in the process.
When left to thrive, mold can jeopardize the safety of your home and family. It can pose a threat to each person’s health and damage your home’s structure. Anchor Water Damage & Restoration specializes in mold remediation in Utah. If you suspect water damage or mold, give us a call today.
