Mold - The Silent Killer: Unveiling the Signs of Hidden Water Damage in Walls
websitebuilder • March 19, 2024
Water damage can be a homeowner's and business owner’s worst nightmare. Not only can it cause significant structural damage, but it can also lead to the growth of harmful mold, create health risks, and incur hefty repair costs. The real challenge is to identify hidden water damage before it becomes a major issue. The longer you take, the worse it gets.
This blog delves into the world behind your walls, exploring the telltale signs of hidden water damage and empowering you to take action. We'll equip you with the knowledge to spot potential problems early on, minimize damage, and ensure a healthy and safe living environment.
Why Does Hidden Water Damage Occur?
Water is a persistent force, finding ways to seep through cracks and breaches in your walls unseen. Here are some common culprits:
- Plumbing Leaks: Leaky pipes, especially behind walls, washing machines, or dishwashers, can silently cause significant water damage.
- Roof Leaks: Improper roof flashing, clogged gutters, or damaged shingles can allow water to seep into your walls through the roof structure.
- Condensation: Poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens can lead to excessive moisture buildup, eventually causing water damage within walls.
- Foundation Issues: Cracks in your foundation can allow water from the ground to infiltrate your walls.
- External Water Intrusion: Issues like faulty drainage systems or improper grading around the house can lead to water pooling near the foundation and seeping into the walls.
Unveiling the Clues: Signs of Hidden Water Damage in Walls
Unfortunately, water damage doesn't always announce its arrival. Here's what to watch out for:
Visual Signs:
- Discoloration: Look for brown, yellow, or rust-colored stains on walls or ceilings. These indicate water seepage and potential mold growth behind the surface.
- Blistering, Peeling Paint: Water can cause paint to bubble, crack, or peel away from the wall. This signifies moisture trapped beneath the surface.
- Warping or Bulging Walls: Warped or bulging drywall can point to water saturation within the wall cavity.
- Visible Mold Growth: Mold thrives in damp environments. If you see visible mold on your walls, it's a sure sign of hidden water damage.
Touch and Smell:
- Soft Spots: Press gently on your walls. Soft spots indicate weakened drywall due to water damage.
- Musty Odors: A persistent musty smell can be a telltale sign of mold growth hidden behind walls.
Other Indicators:
- Higher Utility Bills: Increased water usage can indicate a hidden leak. Unexplained spikes in your electricity bill might suggest overworked dehumidifiers battling excessive moisture.
If you think you have a leaker here is a DYI formula to confirm: Turn off all of the faucets and then read your water meter. If the meter continues to move, then you have a leak!
- Unexplained Allergic Reactions: Mold exposure can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. If you or your family experience unexplained allergy symptoms, consider hidden water damage as a potential culprit.
Remember: Don't ignore even seemingly minor signs. Early detection can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Taking Action: What to Do If You Suspect Hidden Water Damage
If you suspect hidden water damage:
- Stop the Source: If you can identify the source of the leak (e.g., a dripping pipe), address it immediately to prevent further damage. Turn off the water supply if necessary.
- Improve Ventilation: Open windows and doors to promote air circulation and drying.
- Contact a Professional: Resolving water damage is NOT a DIY activity as you lack the appropriate equipment, knowledge, or both to adequately address the problem. Don't attempt major repairs yourself. Hire a qualified water damage restoration company like PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville to assess the situation and develop a remediation plan. Professionals possess the expertise and equipment to locate the source of the leak, extract water, dry the affected areas thoroughly, and minimize repeat mold growth.
Benefits of Early Detection and Professional Restoration
Taking swift action against hidden water damage offers several advantages:
- Reduced Repair Costs: Early detection minimizes the extent of the damage, leading to lower repair costs.
- Prevention of Mold Growth: Mold remediation can be expensive and hazardous. Early intervention prevents mold from taking root. The longer you wait, the worse it will get!
- Improved Air Quality: Addressing water damage ensures healthier indoor air quality for you and your family.
- Preserved Property Value: Extensive water damage can significantly decrease the value of your property.
Additional Tips for Preventing Hidden Water Damage:
- Regularly inspect plumbing fixtures and pipes for leaks.
- Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to avoid roof leaks.
- Maintain proper grading around your foundation to prevent water pooling.
- Schedule regular roof inspections to identify and address any potential issues early on.
By following these tips and staying vigilant for signs of hidden water damage, you can safeguard your home, your health, and living in a home free from hidden water damage fosters peace of mind and a healthy environment. Remember, a proactive approach is key. By staying informed about the signs, taking preventive measures, and acting swiftly at the first indication of trouble, you can effectively address hidden water damage and maintain a safe and secure haven for yourself and your loved ones.
Do you have water damage and need help from a professional? Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville ASAP! (352) 722-3790
EXAMINATION: Individuals seeking licensure as a Mold Remediator must first take and pass a department approved exam for mold remediation. For information about the examination, visit the Examination Information webpage. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : A copy of a transcript is required demonstrating an Associate of Arts degree or higher in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene or occupational safety or related field of science from an accredited institution. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or a high school diploma and 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation. This is not a complete listing of educational and experience requirements. Please see the application instructions page for complete information. FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE immediately after submitting your application for licensure. It may take up to five days for your fingerprint results to be received by the Department after they are submitted to the Florida Department of Law enforcement (FDLE). Please note that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that an application for licensure should precede the submission of your fingerprints. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage . INSURANCE: Applicants for a Mold Remediator license are required to attest that they have obtained general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million dollars as determined by statute. FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information. APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the "Online Services" link or the "Printable Application" link at the bottom of the page. NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
In the State of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates mold assessors and mold remediators. To become licensed, individuals need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an approved examination, and undergo a criminal background check. Licensing Requirements: Requires specific education (e.g., Associate's degree in a related field) and documented field experience, or a high school diploma with more experience. Mold Remediator: Requires the same educational and experience qualifications as a mold assessor, plus passing a department-approved exam. Examination: Both mold assessors and remediators must pass a state-approved examination. Background Check: A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. Fees: Application and licensing fees apply, and are non-refundable. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
Two referral partners (Ref Ptnrs A & B) called us to perform an emergency water damage inspection b/c they were told that houses Y & Z were wet. Ref Ptnr A had one business day left for the inspection period. Ref Ptnr B was accused of causing water to get under ¾ inch solid glued-down wood flooring (these were really nice floors), and the contractor started removing the floor. Fortunately, Ref Ptnr B was able to convince the contractor to STOP removing any more flooring by saying, “My guy is licensed and certified and has the correct equipment to determine if the floor is wet, and he [ PUDDLES ] will be here by 7:00 AM tomorrow to inspect the floor.” CONCLUSION: Neither house Y or Z was wet. If the floors had read wet: Ref Ptnr A’s real estate deal would have failed, and Ref Ptnr B would have incurred 10X what he was paid to fix the floor. Our followers know that green is good when using a Protimeter MMS3 moisture meter, but to be safe, we also used a FLIR infrared camera and a Tramex CMEX5 Moisture meter to inspect the ensuite master bathroom-tiled floor.
Slow Leaks vs Fast Leaks Gainesville, FL 32601 We are often asked which is worse: Slow Leaks or Fast Leaks?
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
What Happened A contractor in Gainesville, FL stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Gainesville, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Gainesville, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
