3 Reasons Mold Forms Quickly After Flooding

Flooding can cause many different problems when it affects your Knoxville home. However, one issue that might linger and be troublesome long after flood waters recede is mold growth. Many different types of fungi may encroach as quickly as one day after a flood occurs, but knowing why and where they might grow due to rising waters may help you keep them at bay until a flood damage and mold mitigation company can be called in.

1. Humidity

After a flood, standing water inside your home can raise the humidity levels and keep your belongings damp. Since mold spores are attracted to moisture, they may be able to find multiple sources of food in your wood furniture, paperback books and clothing fibers. The longer water remains in your home, the longer humidity levels may remain high, so it is wise to have your storm cleanup technicians drain flood waters as soon as possible.

2. Power Outages

Mold tends to thrive in dark, moist conditions, so if a local flood cut out your home’s power, this might enable rapid mold growth. Mold spores do not get their energy from sunlight, so a lack of light in your water-damaged home might make it the perfect environment for this hungry fungus to spread. While certain types of light can kill bacteria, light has little effect on mold; however, using lanterns and flashlights can help you search out mold and track its spread pattern so your flood techs can begin the remediation process.

3. HVAC and Air Filtration System Issues

Flood waters can wreak havoc on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and short out air filtration systems. This can accelerate the growth of mold in two ways: first, a lack of air conditioning may raise the temperature in your home and combine with the humidity, and second, a broken air purifier means mold spores are not being captured and destroyed. Unfettered, mold can spread quickly.

Rapid mold growth can be common after a flood affects your Knoxville, TN home. Knowing its habits can help you prevent its spread until professional help arrives.