Water Damage and Mold

You've had water damage in your house due to a burst pipe, a roof leak or a heavy summer storm. You hope that your insurance will cover the damage. What to do? You may not know the implications of water and mold damage.

Molds are part of a group of micro-organisms called fungi that also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Molds are familiar to most people as food spoilers on items such as bread or fruit. Molds are nature's decomposers in the food chain. Mold requires the following conditions to grow:

• mold spores (which are always present indoors and outdoors);
• the right temperature range, from 35 to 104°F;
• a food supply, which means anything organic such as books, carpets, clothing, wood, drywall, etc.; and,
• a source of moisture.

The last condition, moisture, is the only practical factor to control in most houses.

If allowed to grow inside your house, mold can be a problem because it can damage your possessions and can cause health problems. For example, mold can cause allergic reactions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, non-allergic reactions such as headaches, and other symptoms including lung and breathing infections.

Dry Quickly to Avoid Mold!

First, call your insurance broker or agent and report the water damage. You can expect to discuss these questions and issues:

• How did the water damage occur?
• Is this damage covered by your policy?
• Did the damage occur during the period your policy was in effect?
• Are you reporting the water damage promptly (within 24 hours) to allow quick drying and repairs?

Hire a contractor to clean up the water and make repairs as needed to your house. Your adjuster can recommend contractors, but you must confirm the selection with your adjuster–the contractor reports to and is paid by you. You need to be sure that the adjuster and the contractor are following the best possible procedures to look after your concerns. A thorough and fast cleanup will help avoid mold growth. If you wait too long and mold growth starts, cleanup costs will increase significantly. This is what you should be looking for in a contractor:

Speed - Mold grows quickly; your adjuster should ensure that you have a contractor in your house promptly
Knowledge - The contractor you select should have certification or training in water damage restoration and mold remediation.
Competence - The contractor should follow basic, good clean up practices after your water damage. Here are some things to look for:

• The moisture source is stopped.
• Wet items that can't be salvaged are removed.
• What can't be removed is dried quickly.
• Ideally start the most aggressive drying process appropriate for the job, as soon as possible.
• No refinishing is done until the area is thoroughly dried.

Confirm that the contractor checks thoroughly to make sure all wet areas are completely dry. Be sure all cavities, such as crawl spaces, are dried properly before you tell your adjuster you are satisfied.