Like all types of mold, black mold is commonly found in dark, damp areas of the house. If your home in Central Florida suffers water damage, mold can begin to grow and spread within 24 to 48 hours. As it does, it releases spores into the air that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. These spores also usually travel through clothing, causing you to unknowingly spread them all over the house.
Mold and mildew can develop 24 to 48 hours after exposure to water, so take immediate action to clean things up and get your house dry again. The sooner you take action, the more you can contain possible mold formation and avoid associated health risks. Rent a wet and dry vacuum to remove standing water in your home if the area is less than 10 square feet and there is less than an inch of water. Protect yourself with the right equipment before coming into contact with contaminated water.
Put on safety goggles, gloves, boots, long sleeves, long pants, and a mask (such as an N-95 respirator). If standing water occupies an area of more than 10 square feet or there is more than an inch of water, call a water damage repair company in your area for help. If you know how to check for mold and have already noticed that some mold is growing, stop it immediately. If it's a smaller area, such as 10 square feet or less, you can choose to clean it yourself.
Disinfect hard surfaces, such as baseboards and walls, with a cleaning solution made of 1.5 cups of fresh chlorinated bleach for every gallon of water. Wear protective equipment, such as a face mask and rubber gloves, while cleaning with this solution. Spray fresh 10% bleach solution over 90 percent water on any visible mold. In the presence of excess moisture, often as a result of a water leak, mold can begin to proliferate inside surfaces such as drywall, plywood and tile.
When it comes to mold and water leaks, many people aren't familiar with the extent of their connection. If there are more than 10 square feet of mold in a building with 10 or more units, Local Law 55 requires the owner to hire a New York State licensed mold assessment company and a New York State licensed mold remediation company to fix the problem. No matter where in your Central Florida home mold is accumulating, it may be more dangerous to try to remove it yourself, because if you do, you can release mold spores into the atmosphere. Because they digest materials such as wood, the spread of mold due to leaks throughout the building can damage the floor and ceiling.
According to the EPA and the CDC, a general rule is that mold can begin to form on surfaces 24 to 48 hours after exposure to water. The likelihood of mold forming depends on many factors, including the severity of the water damage, how quickly it has been cleaned and dried, and the extent of the affected surfaces. Proper moisture control is the key to preventing unwanted mold growth from harming your home and your health. Look for a humidifier with a larger tank that can collect 60 liters or more of water per day, so you don't have to empty it as often.
They don't account for water or moisture that might be trapped inside walls or under floorboards, leaving mold ample room to grow undetected. Most people don't realize that it's not just serious water damage, such as a flood or a visible leak, that produces mold. Working with professionals who specialize in mold removal who know the safest and most effective ways to remove mold can permanently resolve your problem. There is no doubt that mold can damage furniture or the structure of a building, such as ceilings, walls and floors, if allowed to spread.
Because mold usually grows in damp areas or areas where a lot of water is consumed, the best places to detect the presence of mold are the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and basement...
Leave a Comment