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I found mold! What should I do?

Home renovations have been a hot hobby for many homeowners, especially those with more time on their hands. Imagine the frustration of discovering structural damage while trying to improve your home’s aesthetics! You just ripped apart the bathroom or prepped the area for a new skylight and you discover what appears to be mold. What should you do?

When you first come into contact with mold in your home, the most natural instinct is to deal with it right away. Here’s some helpful information if you come across mold in your home or business.

 

  1. Contact a mold specialist right away. Due to the delicate and specific nature of mold. , Tthis sometimes nasty organism can spread quickly if not contained. Often, mold is found in hard to reach areas such as behind walls, in sheetrock, crawlspaces, attics, vents and the like. It spreads within 24-48 hours of exposure to moisture.

 

  1. Avoid spraying or wiping of any kind. This sort of activity could spread mold spores even further into the room and structure, which means possible removal of more sheetrock and insulation. Dampness of any kind will also facilitate more growth and improper cleaning may result in further damage.

 

  1. If applicable, turn off any fans and/or HVAC system and avoid entering the room. Mold has the potential to cause allergic reactions, upper respiratory problems and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Further spread through your home can foster more issues. The overall health of your home is at risk so putting that mold in quarantine as best as possible is critical.

 

  1. Knowing the cause of mold or water damage can help prevent future events. Common causes of mold we have seen in water damaged homes include refrigerator and AC unit leaks, frozen or broken water pipes, lack of ventilation (especially in bathrooms and laundry rooms) and roof leaks. Our company works with multiple contractors such as plumbers, roofers and general contractors during big projects. Sometimes, one phase of the project needs to be completed first before water and mold damage can be assessed and vice versa.

 

  1. Depending on the loss, you may be able to file a homeowners insurance claim. We have worked with dozens of insurance companies during the inspection and restoration processes to ensure insurance adjusters receive all the documentation and photos needed to move forward with your claim. This process can sometimes be very tedious, but it has become second nature to West Coast Fire & Water and we are happy to help!

 

Serving you by restoring your home properly is our top priority and passion. We also understand the anxieties that can arise when the health of your home, as well as your family, is at risk. West Coast Fire & Water technicians are certified in cleaning, inspection and restoration by IICRC and continue to participate in education as cutting edge technological advances are made. We strive to provide the best service available to your home and business so life can get back to normal.