A water leak in your home is something you have to put up with, but then there is the concern of mold making itself at home behind your walls. It is best to be on the lookout for trouble before it becomes a major issue.
Homeowners in Hickory, NC and beyond can count on United Water Restoration Group of Hickory to put an end to mold problems in their infancy. We are at your service 24/7, fully licensed and insured, and we put a 100% satisfaction guarantee on everything we do. Give us a ring at (704)-396-5381.
There is no better way to invite mold than with a water leak. The thing about it is that it will not make a fuss; it will stay in some dark, damp corner and grow until you can no longer overlook it. But with an eye for what to watch, one can stave off the kind of damage that would otherwise ruin a home or its contents.
Why a Water Leak is a Quick Path to Mold
For all it needs is a bit of moisture, some warmth and an organic surface to take hold of. A leak obliges. From drywall and wood to insulation and carpet, there is ample material for mold to feed on. Given the right conditions, it can start to develop in as few as 24 hours. Too often a leak is not found for days, if not weeks, giving mold a head start. Which is why the warning signs are so important.
Seeing Is Believing: Visual Indicators
You will know mold when you see it, though not necessarily where you would expect. Some things to look out for include:
- Patches of any color from white to black on the floor, wall or ceiling
- A slimy or fuzzy quality to surfaces in the vicinity of a leak
- Drywall that has darkened or discolored
- Paint or wallpaper that is peeling, bubbling or warped
- Stains by the baseboard, under a sink or near your plumbing
- Any growth in a closet or other spot with little ventilation
What is visible may well be only a portion of the problem. A small mark can indicate something more extensive at work behind the scenes.
An Odor You Cannot Put Off
In some cases the smell comes first. A stale or musty odor is an early telltale sign, particularly in a basement or crawl space where air does not circulate well. Should a room retain a dampness to it even after being put to rights and aired out, you can bet there is still moisture and mold out of view.
When Your Body Tells You
Mold can have an effect on those who live with it. Be alert to any of the following in your household:
- More than your share of congestion, coughing or sneezing inside the house
- Eyes that are itchy or watery until you are out of the house
- Rashes or skin irritation for no apparent reason
- Allergies or asthma acting up
- Fatigue or headaches that appear to be a function of being at home
If they leave and the symptoms subside, then come back with them, you have your answer.
What Lurks Behind the Walls and Floors
After a leak you are likely to find some hidden mold. It is the most difficult to deal with. Some subtle things to be aware of:
- Floorboards that are warped or drywall that is bulging
- An unexplained rise in indoor humidity
- Condensation on the pipes or windows
- Parts of the ceiling or wall that are spongy to the touch
- Damp patches that will not dry
They are all indications of moisture in your building materials, a prime place for mold.
Put an End to It
Do not put it off. The delay will only allow the mold to do more harm. Wiping it down or putting a coat of paint over it is not going to solve the underlying moisture issue.
Let the professionals at United Water Restoration Group of Hickory get to the root of it. We have the training to do the job right and are on hand 24/7 in Hickory, NC. With 4.9 stars across 125 Google reviews, we are licensed and insured to give you peace of mind.
Any suspicion of mold post leak should not be left to fester. For a free estimate and to put our 100% satisfaction guarantee to work for you, call our mold remediation team at United Water Restoration Group of Hickory at (704)-396-5381.