How quickly can mold grow after water damage?
The EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If wet materials are dried within that window, in most cases mold will not grow.
That is the whole reason restoration companies stress speed. Mold needs moisture and something to feed on, and drywall paper, carpet backing, wood and dust all qualify. A basement that stays wet for a week in late summer is an ideal setting. If you are inside the window now, the most useful thing you can do is get drying started. Press 1 on our line and we connect you with a local water damage restoration company.
Can I clean up mold myself?
For small areas, often yes. The EPA says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch, in most cases you can handle it yourself.
Fix the water problem first, or the mold will come back. Clean hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry them completely. Wear gloves, eye protection and, per the EPA, an N-95 respirator. Do not paint or caulk over mold.
When should I call a professional for mold?
When the area is larger than about 10 square feet, when the water involved was sewage or other contaminated water, when mold may be in the heating and cooling system, or when anyone in the home has health concerns.
The EPA specifically says that if the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a professional with experience cleaning buildings damaged by contaminated water. It also advises not running the HVAC system if you know or suspect it is contaminated with mold. Ask any company you hire whether they follow recognized guidelines and how they will contain the work so spores do not spread through the house.
What has to be thrown out?
The EPA says porous materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet may need to be thrown away if they become moldy, because mold can fill the spaces in porous material and be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
Hard, non-porous surfaces like metal, glass and sealed concrete can usually be cleaned. Drywall, carpet pad, insulation and upholstered furniture that grew mold are commonly removed. Photograph anything before it goes in the dumpster if you are filing an insurance claim.
I smell something musty but cannot see mold. What now?
Look for the moisture source first: a slow leak under a sink, a damp basement wall, a window well, a ceiling stain. A musty smell usually means something is staying wet.
Check the areas near past leaks, behind furniture against outside walls, and the bottom of basement drywall. A restoration company can use moisture meters to find wet materials behind surfaces. Fixing the moisture is the real cure; air fresheners and paint are not.
Does insurance pay for mold?
Often not, unless it came from a covered event. The Insurance Information Institute says mold is generally treated as a maintenance issue that standard policies do not cover, but if mold is the direct result of a covered peril such as a burst pipe, removing it may be covered. Read your policy or ask your agent.
This is one more reason to start drying early and document it: moisture readings and a dated record of the cleanup help show that mold, if any, came from the covered event and not from neglect. HomeAdvisor's national figures put mold removal at roughly $1,100 to $3,400 per job, a general range rather than a quote. See our cost guide.
How do I keep a Naperville basement from getting moldy?
Dry any water within 24 to 48 hours, keep basement humidity in check, fix leaks promptly, and keep gutters, downspouts and the sump pump working so water stays outside.
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent. A basement dehumidifier is a common way to get there in humid months. For safety steps, insurance and choosing a company, read the Naperville water damage guide.