Water Damage and Molds both are very common issues that damage many things. Every year, hundreds of thousands of homeowners and businesses experience water damage, be it from flooding, leaky pipes, roof leaks, or another unforeseen event, and once it happens, the clock is ticking down the time you have before mold spreads and makes the problem much worst.

In this article, we will be walking you through what to do when you find water damage, from how to handle the immediate situation, to how to deal with the long-term implications of water damage in the Chicago climate.

Can water damage and flooding cause mold and mildew? 

In short, yes. Flooding and water damage in your home or office is not something that should be taken lightly, and in the event that you find it happening in your building, you should have it thoroughly checked to make sure that no mold or mildew has begun to form, because believe it or not it can take only a mere 24 to 48 hours for these problems to begin to develop when given a damp environment.

Keep your eyes out for some of these potential problems which could end up spawning mold and mildew that you might have to deal with later on down the line. The sooner you identify and deal with these issues, the sooner you can get them out of your mind and not have to worry about the potential health implications that their presence brings with them. 

Water Damage or Flooding in Your Home or Office :

 

When you have a flood in your home or office, it can bring water damage to all kinds of potential spaces that you might not have thought about before. If there is flooding in your home, you should have it checked for mold as soon as possible, especially if the area has had water in it for more than 24 hours, which is just enough time for mold and mildew to begin to form.

It isn’t just the immediate area that has been flooded that you will have to consider, either – mold microorganisms can travel from place to place in the air, so if it has spawned in one place, you’re going to need to think about having your entire house checked to make sure it has not spread elsewhere around the property.

Air Conditioning Units Going Bad

One thing that you might not think about that can lead to mold and mildew growing in your home is when your air conditioning unit begins to go bad. When it behaves properly, your AC unit acts as a sort of dehumidifying unit that works to keep your home clear of impurities. 

However, if it is allowed to begin to go bad, your unit can actually begin to act as a draining tube that can leak water and allow mold not only in the unit but around the unit as well. If you have been dealing with an air conditioner that is going bad, you might want to take some time to check and ensure that it has not had a huge build-up around it.

Leaky Plumbing in Your Home

Dealing with leaky plumbing around your home? This is another potential vector for mold and mildew to find their way into your home, so staying on top of how your plumbing is doing will be a good way to be aware of whether any problems are beginning to form. 

After all, a leak in your plumbing can lead to several issues when it comes to the growth of mildew and mold. Pipes are located inside your walls and behind your fixtures – often letting moisture begin to build up without you even thinking anything about it. Here are a few common signs you can easily discern when there are problems beginning to form around your plumbing:

• Sounds of water audibly dripped from behind the walls. 
• Musty smell coming from the walls or your floors. 
• You notice discoloration occurring around the walls or floor.

Are There Other Ways That Mold Can Form? 

Yes – there is a host of ways that mold can form in your home or office. Besides flooding, leaky plumbing, or issues with your air conditioning unit, here are a few more issues to be on the lookout for, all of which can lead to mold and mildew developing if left unchecked: 

• Excessive condensation forms on the inside of your windows. 
• Too many rooms in your home that don’t have much exposure to sunlight (think basements and attics).
• Forgetting to clean up properly if something is spilled.
• Leaky pipes from inside of your walls.

 

Get in Touch With the Pros At ProTech ASAP!

Water damage is the sort of issue that can spiral out of control so drastically that most homeowners don’t comfortable trying to deal with this problem on their own, so don’t hesitate to take some time to contact us here at ProTech, Chicago’s local water and mold removal professionals to take care of the issue in your home. Mold can cause various different health issues, none of which you want anyone in your family to be dealing with. ProTech’s mold and water removal teams near you are trained and well-prepared to come to your home or business and use the best ways to deal with your water damage and mold problem safely and quickly.

Keep an eye out for some of the key indication signs of mold in your home that we outlined here, and you will be able to be ahead of the curve when the time comes to make sure that you and your family are safe from breathing in toxins and bacteria that can be brought around when mold and mildew are present in your home. By being careful and being aware of the signs, you can remove any potential health hazards posed by mold and mildew in the vicinity. A monthly or even bi-monthly home inspection could keep you one step ahead of a potential mold infestation.