Mold after water damage in Athens, GA

Mold usually follows water that was not dried in time. If you had a leak or flood and a room still smells musty, it is worth acting now, because the longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.

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Signs to look for

A musty or earthy smell that does not go away
Dark or fuzzy spots on walls, ceilings, baseboards or in closets
Warped, bubbling or stained drywall and flooring
Condensation on windows, or a room that always feels damp

Do this first

Find and fix the moisture source first. Cleaning mold without drying the cause only brings it back.
Dry wet materials as fast as you can. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours.
Do not paint or caulk over mold.
Avoid disturbing large patches. If the area is large, or follows sewage or contaminated water, have it assessed.
Run a dehumidifier and use fans. The EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent.

What a restoration company usually does

A professional will look at how far moisture has traveled, contain the area so spores do not spread, remove materials that cannot be cleaned, and dry the space. Ask for a written scope and what it will take to confirm the area is dry afterward. For more, see the EPA guide to mold and moisture.

Insurance notes

Mold that follows a sudden covered loss may be covered, but mold from long-term moisture or neglect often is not. Policies differ, so read yours and tell the insurer early.

In the Athens area

Athens is humid for much of the year, so damp materials can stay wet unless they are actively dried. Crawl spaces, closets on exterior walls and rooms below a leaky bathroom are common places for hidden moisture.

Common questions

Do I need mold testing?

Often not to decide on cleanup. If you can see or smell mold, the priority is to fix the moisture and remove affected material. Ask a professional how far it has spread.

Can I clean mold myself?

Small surface patches on hard materials can often be cleaned by a homeowner with protection. Large areas, mold inside walls or in the HVAC system, and mold that follows sewage or contaminated water should be handled by a professional.

What humidity level should I aim for?

The EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent.

Will painting over mold fix it?

No. If moisture is still present, mold grows back through the paint. Fix the source of moisture first.

Water coming in right now? Call and we will connect you with a local restoration company, any hour.