Water stains mean water is penetrating the interior structure of your home—and there's enough there that it's starting to seep through the drywall. Where there is moisture there is a very high chance for mould to grow, and once you've got mould, you've got a serious problem.
Water damage does not always mean mold, but signs of water damage may indicate mold growth since mold grows where there is a lot of moisture. Clean and dry water-damaged surfaces within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. You need to have mold professionally removed and fix sources of moisture.
One of the most common causes of water stains is leaky plumbing. This includes pipes, faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures that may develop leaks over time. The water from these leaks can seep into walls, leading to visible stains and damage with no leakage source.
A one-time water leak might not always lead to mold. However, the leak severity and how quickly you clean up matter a lot. Getting rid of the water fast is key.
Discoloration and stains
Visible discoloration or staining on your walls, particularly in green, black, or brown hues, can indicate mold growth. These stains can sometimes look like water damage or soot, but they don't go away with regular cleaning.
Mold behind drywall can be very harmful to our health. Black mold is especially dangerous because of its severe effects. It can cause serious respiratory problems. People who breathe in mold spores often get respiratory infections.
The only way to prevent mold infestation in drywall following a water damage incident is to dry it within 48 hours after water intrusion. The 48-72 hour window is critical to prevent mold growth as it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow.
There are several causes for damp patches appearing on interior walls including damaged guttering, cracked roof tiles and more commonly condensation.
Condensation Build-Up
In hot, humid climates especially, the mere presence of excessive indoor condensation accumulating faster than it can evaporate sometimes leads to pooling water sources spreading those unsightly stains around.
Signs of Water Damaged Drywall
Look for discoloration on the wall, often with streaks from the ceiling. Also, drywall that swells and changes color can show up as soft, bubbly spots. Mold and drywall damage often go hand in hand. Seeing mold, especially at corners and edges, means there's moisture in the wall.
The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.
If you have an area in your home that is damp and moist, or has experienced a long-term water leak, then that area is susceptible to mold growth. Unlike the look of water stains, look for areas that are white, blue, green, or black in color. Grout that has darkened is another sign that you might have mold growing.
Look for visible signs like discolorations or dark spots on surfaces, visible mold spores, warped walls, and other moisture issues. You may also smell something damp and musty as well as experience worsened allergy and asthma attacks.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
You should look and sniff around for signs of mold if you have: Leaks in your roof or plumbing that can trap moisture inside walls. A basement that floods, which can leave moisture in carpets and the lower parts of walls. Water damage to your windows or doors to the outside.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Mildew most commonly shows up as black, grey, or brown powdery substances or stains that develop on the surfaces of the paint on walls and ceilings, on caulk, and in cracks.
You should only remove mould if it's caused by condensation and covers an area smaller than one metre squared.