Flooding can cause immediate problems to your home and ruin a number of items. With light flooding, however, it’s the unseen, long-term problems that pose the greatest risk. After general repairs, many homeowners fail to schedule mold testing. Mold can thrive following a flood and create conditions that eventually make a home unlivable.

Your Guide to Flood-related Mold

What is mold?

All types of mold thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments. They naturally destroy organic matter and produce spores that can be ingested or spread elsewhere around a home. Common places include drywall, fabrics, food, home insulation, wood, tile, and cardboard—all of which are found in most homes.

How is it related to flooding?

When your home floods due to leaking, sewage backups, or natural disasters, water rushes into all of the unseen areas and might be carrying mold spores. Once these areas are saturated, it creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Often, it’s unseen—basements, crawlspaces, and attics are all popular spots. Without mold testing, it’s almost impossible to detect, outside of a few side effects.

What are the side effects of mold?

The effects of mold vary in severity. Some people might experience throat irritation, congestion, itchy eyes, and skin irritation if they touch it. People with extreme allergies, respiratory issues, or weak immune systems might have more serious reactions, some of which can be fatal. If you experience any of these, schedule mold testing immediately.

How do you remove mold?

Because most types of mold pose a number of health risks, always turn to mold remediation professionals to tackle the issue. They’ll safely remove all presence throughout your home and can also take steps to mold-proof areas. They will also use safe cleaners—so nothing is damaged—and can advise on repairs, such as leaky pipes, cracks in siding, or roof leaks, to prevent future mold growth.

If you’re facing mold issues, the team at America’s Best Cleaning & Restoration Services can assist. Located in La Crosse, WI, they offer comprehensive mold testing and remediation services. They maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau^® and have served the area for over 28 years. Their team offers additional pressure washing and air duct and carpet cleaning services that you can explore on their website. Call (608) 782-6995 to speak with an associate.