Why Does Mold Form After Flooding?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Mold spores thrive on moisture

Why Does Mold Form After Flooding?

If a flood has recently damaged your home in Willow Spring, IL, you may be primarily concerned about damage caused by contaminated water. It is important to promptly extract standing water and clean the affected area to reduce the risk of secondary mold damage. Find out why mold growth is more likely in the wake of a flood.

Spores In the Air
Many mold spores are airborne in indoor and outdoor air. Spores can enter your residence in any of the following ways:

• Air conditioning system
  
• Heating system
  
• Open doors
  
• Open windows
  
• Vents
  
  

People and pets can also carry spores indoors. Once spores are present inside a structure, colonies will start to form if the factors necessary for growth are present.

Nutrients and Moisture in Contaminated Water
Mold requires a combination of nutrients from organic materials and moisture in order to multiply. Contaminated flood water contains everything necessary for mold growth. Furthermore, building materials containing cellulose are also rich food sources for fungi. A flooded structure is an ideal environment for mold. 

Delayed Extraction
Mold flourishes when conditions that support growth are sustained over for several days or longer. Spores may start multiplying within just 24 to 48 hours after water damage. An environment that has minimal disruption is ideal for the rapid formation of colonies. If you evacuate a residence that ends up filling with water, you are likely to discover mold upon your return. Arrange for water extraction and cleanup as soon as possible to limit the severity of an infestation.
Timely water damage mitigation and restoration measures can reduce the risk of a mold problem at your residence in Willow Spring, IL. After standing water has been removed, damaged building materials may need to be torn out. Areas exposed to contaminated water must be disinfected to eliminate bacteria and other microbes. Thorough cleaning and drying should stop mold growth.