Water Damage Walls Mold

Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor.

Water damage walls mold.

The smell of mold feels earthy like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense damp forest. The sun kills mold. Put on your ventilator mask and rubber gloves. For long term issues like mold caused by attic condensation the mold may have started growing a long time ago.

Weather the water damage is the result of a storm surge or a leaky faucet when water is trapped behind walls or paneling the elements needed for mold growth will most likely be present. Control indoor moisture to prevent mold. Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems so deal with it quickly. Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours.

If the water damage inside the walls persists mold will show signs on the surface. Mold growth begins inside wall cavities behind drywall within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion. In addition to the damage that water causes it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors where it s visible and in ductwork attics and crawlspaces where you might not notice it. For instance put down tile or linoleum flooring instead of carpet in rooms with high humidity or where spills are common like kitchens bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Mold on walls and baseboards. You may also notice peeling paint water stains on walls or ceilings buckled drywall or buckled shelves under your kitchen or bathroom sinks and a musty smell. When repairing water damaged rooms consider making improvements to help prevent or at least minimize future damage and mold growth. Wipe down the walls with a rag and let them dry.

Pull up the carpet and take it outside in the sun. Leave it out until you have finished cleaning inside. It is best to take action at this time to mitigate the damage and prevent mold growth from occuring. The walls and floors will need to be cleaned first.

Here are a few of the less obvious drywall water damage issues. Drywall forms an excellent media for mold growth because it absorbs moisture that activates mold spores and the paper backing of drywall provides cellulose a food that nourishes. The key to stopping mold and mildew is controlling dampness. The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside and in basements with poor foundation drainage.

A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home. If you don t see signs of mold but you can smell it it may be hidden in your walls. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present. Steps to prevent mold growth.

If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it.