Sprinkler Head Water Damage

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by an affected sprinkler head.

Homes and commercial properties throughout the Houston area have mold, and many homeowners and property managers don’t even realize it. Because of our climate and the recent storms and widespread flood damage in the Clear Lake and surrounding communities, extensive mold is to be expected. Unfortunately, mold thrives in areas like ours, where humidity remains high throughout the year and temperatures are warm. While mold is pervasive in nature, mold indoors presents the greatest challenges.

SERVPRO of Clear Lake recommends that homeowners do thorough evaluations of their property, at least quarterly, and after every incident of water damages. Mold can start to develop within 48 hours, so the sooner you catch it and begin the remediation process, the better. Here are the top 4 warning signs that mold is growing in your home.

1. Pervasive Smell. Mildew and mold have a distinctive odor. If you detect that odor in your home, chances are you have mildew and mold growth. Additionally, if your property is musty or smells damp, mold or mildew growth may be just around the corner. If after a thorough cleaning with bleach and water, the smell remains, it is time to call in the professionals. The technicians from Clear Lake SERVPRO have the advanced training, tools, and chemicals necessary to begin the remediation process immediately.
2. Black, Gray, or Greenish Growth on Drywall. Often mistaken as simple water damage, mold can start to grow quickly. This is particularly true in cases where roofs leak for long periods, and water drips into the insulation and then weeps into the ceiling. Water stains may appear goldish brown at first, but can quickly morph into black, gray, or greenish mold. Insulation, drywall, and even some structural supports may need to be replaced. At a minimum, they need to be scrubbed, disinfected, and treated with a mold growth inhibitor prior to rebuilding.
3. Mold Growth in Grout. Bathrooms are the most common places to find mold growth. It can be easily spotted here in grout or floor/wall joints, under cabinets, and on shower curtains. Mold spores spread through the air, so in order to avoid mold growth in other areas of the home, it is vital to handle it quickly and effectively.
4. White, Gray, Black, or Greenish Growth in Basements. The dampness of basements, often caused by improper landscaping and weeping foundations, partners with the warmth of water heaters, creating the ideal haven for mold to grow. If you spot any growth in your basement, along with a musty or mildew smell, call professional mold remediation specialists to remove it.

While it is possible to DIY a flood cleanup, it is not recommended. The same can be said for mold remediation. It takes proper clothing and protective gear, harsh chemicals, dehumidifying equipment, and significant blocks of time to remove mold from your home. While small outbreaks are common in bathrooms, basements, attics, and even in kitchen cabinetry, large-scale mold infestations require an aggressive approach that most homeowners simply are not prepared to handle. Call your locally owned and operated Clear Lake SERVPRO. We are available 24 hours a day, whenever disaster strikes.

About The Clear Lake SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Clear Lake is Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewage backups, floods, fires, mold remediation, and other events happen.