Mold after water damage: the short answer
Mold needs moisture, so the first job is always finding and fixing the water problem. Small patches on hard surfaces can often be cleaned by a homeowner, but larger areas, mold inside walls or mold after sewage or flooding call for a professional who contains the area, removes damaged materials and dries what's left. Call (413) 555-0147 to speak with a local mold remediation company serving Westfield and nearby towns.
On this page
Does this cover your problem?
- spots of mold on drywall, baseboards or ceilings after a leak
- a musty smell in a basement, closet or room that had water damage
- mold on the back of drywall or carpet pad discovered during cleanup
- a leak under a sink, behind a dishwasher or around a toilet that went unnoticed
- mold returning after it was cleaned, which usually means moisture is still there
If you're dealing with fresh water damage, drying it fast is the best mold prevention. See our page on local water damage restoration.
How fast can mold grow?
Fast. The EPA's strategies for responding to water damage focus on the first 24 to 48 hours, and its guidance notes that mold growth may have occurred even when materials are dried within 48 hours. That's why restoration crews start drying the same day and why materials that stayed wet for days, like ceiling tiles and insulation, are usually replaced instead of cleaned. More in how soon mold can grow after water damage.
When you can handle it yourself, and when you can't
The EPA's homeowner guidance says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3-foot by 3-foot patch, you can generally handle the cleanup yourself, as long as the moisture problem is fixed. Call a professional when:
- the area is larger than about 10 square feet
- mold is inside walls, under floors or in the HVAC system
- the water was sewage or floodwater
- someone in the home has asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system
- it keeps coming back
The EPA also notes that if visible mold is present, sampling is usually unnecessary. Removing it and fixing the moisture matters more than identifying the species.
What happens during mold remediation
Find the moisture source
A leak, a past flood, condensation or high humidity. Remediation without fixing the source doesn't last.
Containment
The work area may be sealed with plastic and kept under negative air pressure so spores don't spread.
Removal
Moldy porous materials such as drywall, insulation and carpet are removed and bagged. HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers are commonly used.
Cleaning
Framing and other hard surfaces are cleaned.
Drying and verification
Everything is dried, then checked visually and with moisture readings before rebuilding. See structural drying.
Mold around Westfield
Basements are the usual trouble spot. Westfield's warm, humid summers, with average July highs of 82.8°F at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, and wet springs keep many basements damp, and a past leak or basement flood that wasn't fully dried gives mold a head start. In winter, ice dam leaks can soak attic insulation and the tops of walls where no one looks. We take calls from all of Westfield and from Holyoke, West Springfield, Agawam, Southwick and Southampton.
What affects the cost
- the size of the affected area and how many rooms
- whether mold is on the surface or inside walls, floors or ductwork
- containment and air filtration needed
- materials removed and rebuilt afterward
- fixing the moisture source, which may involve a plumber, roofer or waterproofing contractor
See the cost guide for how to compare estimates.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What's causing the moisture, and who will fix it?
- How will you contain the work area?
- What will you remove, and what will you clean?
- How will you confirm the job is complete?
- Are you a registered Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor for the rebuild?
What to have ready when you call
- your address or nearest cross street, and the town
- what happened and where: which floor, which room, the basement or the ceiling
- whether the water is still running and whether you've shut it off
- roughly when it started and how large the wet area is
- whether the water is clean (a supply line), from a drain or toilet, or came in from outside
- whether you own or rent, and whether you plan to file an insurance claim
- roughly how large the moldy area is, and when the water damage happened
Frequently asked questions
How soon after water damage does mold grow?
The EPA's water damage guidance focuses on drying within 24 to 48 hours, and it notes mold growth may have occurred even when materials are dried within 48 hours. Start drying as soon as possible.
Can I remove mold myself?
The EPA's homeowner guidance says areas smaller than about 10 square feet can generally be cleaned by the homeowner once the moisture is fixed. Larger areas, hidden mold or mold after sewage or flooding should be handled by professionals.
Do I need mold testing?
Usually not if you can see mold. The EPA notes that when visible mold is present, sampling is usually unnecessary. Testing can help in specific situations, such as hidden mold or after remediation.
Will bleach kill mold?
Bleach doesn't fix the moisture problem and doesn't remove mold from porous materials like drywall. Moldy porous materials are usually removed, and hard surfaces are cleaned.
Does insurance cover mold?
Mold caused by a covered water event may be covered, sometimes with limits. Mold from long-term leaks or humidity often isn't. Check your policy.