Moulds are a type of fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. They grow in damp environments and can cause property damage. If you've experienced water damage in your home or office, preventing mould growth is important.
In this article, we'll discuss how mould grows after water damage and how to prevent it from becoming a problem. We'll also discuss the importance of air dehumidifiers in preventing mould growth.
How Destructive Moulds Are
Moulds can grow on any organic material. Woods, papers, cardboards and other building materials are especially at risk. Paints, glues and resins commonly support mould colonisation. Carpets and insulation also hold a lot of water and debris.
Both water damage and microbial growth can occur in homes without being immediately detected. Moisture impacts often go unnoticed for long periods, during which microorganisms increase and building materials degrade.
In homes, common causes of extensive water damage are breakages or leaks in the supply and drainage piping and the failure of drainage seals. Other sources of water intrusion include insufficient maintenance of the building envelope, poor design of stormwater or rainwater drainage systems and even modifications to the building, which fail to adhere to the original blueprint or engineering controls.
Mould build-up can cause a lot of damage to property, and it can also be harmful to your health. Inhaling mould spores can cause respiratory problems, and mould exposure can cause skin irritation.
How Fast Does Mould Grow After a Water Leak?
Mould can start growing within 24–48 hours of a water leak. The time it takes for mould to grow depends on the type of mould, the temperature, the humidity and the level of air circulation. In warm, humid environments with little air circulation, mould can proliferate.
Mould growth is often visible as a dark discolouration on walls, ceilings or floors. Mould may also produce musty odours. If you see or smell mould in your home, it's important to take action immediately to prevent further damage
How to Inspect for Moulds After Water Damage
If you've experienced water damage, inspecting your property for mould growth is crucial. Here are the basics of mould inspection:
- If your home has had mould growth in the past, there is a chance that water damage from a leak is a recurring problem. When the water enters your house, it reactivates spores of previous mould growth. This means you must consider more extensive repairs to prevent future water damage.
- To inspect for mould, look for dark discolourations on walls, ceilings or floors. Mould may also produce musty odours. If you see or smell mould in your home, it's important to take action immediately to prevent further damage.
- Inspections should not only focus on the shower or kitchen wallpaper but also look in places you wouldn't typically expect, like drywall in the garage or attic insulation. Even wood beams in a crawlspace are potential mould inspection targets.
How to Do Water Damage Repair and Restoration
Water damage can be a significant problem for any home or office, but it doesn't have to be the world's end. With a little effort and the right tools, you can dry out your property and prevent mould from growing.
Once all the water is gone, you must thoroughly dry the area. Dehumidifiers are more effective at removing moisture from the air.
Once the area is dry, you must prevent moulds from developing and redeveloping. This can be done by cleaning all surfaces with a mould-killing solution. Mould spores can also be eliminated from the air by using an air purifier.
Can You Prevent Moulds From Developing?
Yes, some measures can be taken to prevent moulds from developing, including
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Clutter provides places for mould to hide and flourish.
- Repair any leaks or moisture problems promptly. Don't wait until the problem gets worse.
- Make sure your home has adequate ventilation. Focus on areas with a lot of moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
- Use mould-resistant products when possible. This will keep moulds at bay.
- Use an air dehumidifier. This will keep the indoor relative humidity low.
Preventing Water Damage with Air Dehumidifiers
Air dehumidifiers are an effective way to remove moisture from the air and prevent mould growth. Dehumidifiers bring in outside air and force it over a cold coil. This condenses the water vapour in the air collected in a tank.
Dehumidifiers are most effective when used with other mould-prevention measures, such as cleaning all surfaces with a mould-killing solution and using an air purifier to remove mould spores from the air.
When using a dehumidifier, emptying the water tank regularly is essential. Otherwise, the dehumidifier will become less effective and may even start to blow mould spores back into the air.
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