Mold Removal After Water Damage in Owasso, OK

How soon can mold grow after water damage?

Mold can start growing quickly on materials that stay wet, especially in warm, humid weather. The EPA advises responding to water damage and drying wet materials as fast as possible, and warns that mold may still grow even when materials are dried promptly. The safest approach is to get water out and materials dry right away, then check for hidden moisture.

What are the signs of mold after a leak?

A musty or earthy smell that doesn't go away

Black, green, white or gray spots on walls, ceilings or baseboards

Paint or wallpaper that bubbles or peels

Drywall that's soft, stained or warped

Allergy-like symptoms that get worse in one room

A smell from the AC vents after a leak near the air handler

Where does mold hide in Owasso homes?

Mold grows where water sat and nobody could see it. In Owasso's homes, the usual spots are:

• Attics after a roof or storm leak, on wet insulation and roof decking
• Ceilings under the air handler after an AC drain line overflow
• Behind baseboards and inside the bottom of walls after a floor leak
• Under carpet pad and under vinyl plank flooring on the slab
• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, behind the cabinet base
• The garage wall shared with the house, after garage flooding
• Hot, humid Oklahoma summers make these hidden wet spots grow mold faster.

Do you need mold testing?

Usually not to get started. The EPA says that in most cases, if mold growth is visible, sampling is unnecessary. A musty smell also points to a moisture problem that needs fixing first. Testing can help in special situations, like a health concern, a legal or real estate question, or checking that cleanup worked. Finding and fixing the moisture comes first either way.

Can you clean mold yourself?

You can clean small spots of mold on hard surfaces like tile, sinks and sealed wood with detergent and water, while wearing gloves and a mask. Fix the leak and dry the area first. Call for help when mold covers a large area, grows on drywall, insulation or carpet, comes back after cleaning, followed sewage or floodwater, or when anyone in the home has health problems.

Bleach isn't a fix on its own. It doesn't soak into porous materials like drywall and wood, and mold grows back if the moisture stays.

How do we remove mold after water damage?

Find and fix the moisture source, with moisture meters and thermal imaging.

Contain the area so spores don't spread to other rooms.

Filter the air with HEPA air filtration during the work.

Remove mold-damaged porous materials, like drywall, insulation and carpet pad.

Clean the remaining hard surfaces and framing.

Dry everything thoroughly so mold has nothing to grow on.

Document the work for your records or insurance.

Learn more: How structural drying works

Related help

Roof leak and ceiling water damage

where attic mold usually starts

AC leak water damage

mold above ceilings under the air handler

Structural drying

drying that stops mold from starting

Frequently asked questions

Why does my house smell musty after a leak when I can't see mold?

A musty smell usually means moisture is trapped somewhere you can't see: inside a wall, under flooring, under a cabinet or in the attic. Mold may already be growing there. Moisture meters and thermal imaging can find the wet area without opening walls unnecessarily.

Can I paint over mold?

No. Paint covers the stain but doesn't stop the mold or the moisture feeding it, and it usually comes back through the paint. The moisture has to be fixed and the moldy material cleaned or removed first.

Is mold after water damage dangerous?

The EPA notes that mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs in sensitive people. Anyone with allergies, asthma or a weak immune system should stay out of moldy areas until they're cleaned up.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Mold is often covered only when it results from a covered event, like a sudden burst pipe, and is often excluded when it comes from a long-term leak or humidity. Many policies also limit mold coverage. Check your policy, and report water damage early. Read more about water damage insurance claims.

Who fixes mold in a rental home?

In most rentals, the landlord is responsible for repairing leaks and the building materials mold has damaged. Tenants should report leaks and musty smells in writing right away. Landlords and property managers can read about our rental property water damage help.

Will mold come back after it's removed?

Mold comes back when the moisture comes back. Once the leak is fixed, damaged materials are removed and the area is fully dry, mold has nothing to grow on. Keeping humidity down and fixing future leaks quickly keeps it away.

Musty smell or mold in your Owasso home? Call now.

Mold keeps spreading as long as the moisture stays. Call us and we'll find where it's coming from.

Serving Owasso, Collinsville, Claremore, Catoosa and nearby areas