HomeBlogHeavy Rain, Flooding and Mold Growth

With the ever-changing climate and effects on the environment and weather patterns, it is certain that we will be seeing more heavy rains and flooding for years to come. Heaving rain and flooding can cause a host of problems as well as the opportunity for mold growth to start and spread quickly.

Heavy Rain, Flooding and Mold Growth

Poor drainage from gutters, pooling water around the outside of the home, and walls can lead to water and moisture settling in your crawl space, basement, and attics. Heavy rainfall can leave moisture in the air days after the storm has passed which can allow mold spores to grow quickly especially in those dark, damp, and poorly ventilated areas of your home.

Sometimes it is hard to detect a roof leak during a light rain shower however when the rain turns heavy and continuous, they become more apparent and will lead to a major mold problem if not fixed immediately. Once the rain subsides, mold can start to form and spread on materials or items that stay wet more than a day or two. Remembering that mold spores are easily transferred by air they can and will take up residence in the perfect environment, which is any place that provides moisture, poor ventilation, and will feed on most any organic material such as paper products, cardboard, wood products, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet fabric, and upholstery, among others. Immediate water remediation tactics should be taken to prevent mold growth which can and will start quickly – usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Once the visible water in the home and water damaged items are either dried completely or removed, providing proper ventilation is important. Using fans as well as a dehumidifier will aid in the drying process. The best practice to safeguarding your home against mold growth after water damage that cannot be seen is to call a professional to help pinpoint and remediate the affected areas that may be hidden i.e. inside walls, subfloors, slabs, wall framing, studs, and sheathing. Performing the appropriate inspections, mold, and air quality testing will ensure your family’s safety from health risks associated with a mold outbreak.

There are thousands of species of mold and each releases different types of potentially harmful chemicals into the air that negatively affects the air quality leading to a wide variety of health symptoms to humans and pets alike. Everyone does not respond in the same way from exposure to mold spores. Some can have minor symptoms such as eye and skin irritation or sneezing, coughing and exhaustion while others may not have any symptoms at all. For some, combined with other allergens such as pet dander and others, those who already suffer with asthma, the young and elderly could be at higher risk from mold exposure that could lead to more serious concerns.

Our comprehensive Mold Assessment involves a thorough examination of a property to determine if a moisture issue is occurring that could harbor mold growth or if mold is already present.

This includes the following areas of a home that are known to be common points of entry for moisture intrusion:

  • Exterior Components
  • HVAC System & Ductwork
  • Plumbing System
  • Attic & Crawl Spaces
  • Beneath Cabinets & Appliances with water hookups

We will also collect air samples from inside the home to be tested for mold spores that could be contributing to poor indoor air quality. If potentially toxic molds are discovered, you will be given a protocol to follow for hiring a mold remediator. A full report of our findings will be delivered within 24 hours, including photographs and video of our findings, as necessary.

In addition to a Mold Assessment, we are also able to test for other airborne particulates that are known to negatively impact indoor air quality. We can conduct the following testing services:

  • Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) Testing
  • Silica Testing
  • Allergen Testing (for allergens other than mold)

The air samples that are collected will be tested at a laboratory for these specific contaminants. You will then be presented with a full analysis of the laboratory findings, typically within 24 hours. This makes us different from many others, whose test results take far longer to be delivered.

At Coastal Air Assessments, we work our way from the outside in, first identifying potential issues at the exterior of the home that could be causing poor air quality inside the home. Our Mold Assessments and Air Sampling Tests are timely, accurate, and a true asset for Florida homeowners. Contact us today for your free consultation.