Insulation Behind Water Damage Walls Will Not Dry Out

Insulation is like a sponge and once it gets wet it will take a really long time to fully dry. The wet insulation will cause mold and foul odors even when the exterior wall has dried. Wall drying techniques are generally ineffective at drying insulation. Insulation abutting an exterior wall can absorb excess moisture and then transfer this moisture to the wall causing black mold.

Rubber Baseboards Trap Excess Moisture Causing Black Mold

Rubber baseboards will cause the lower wall to retain excess moisture after a water damage incident or even with routine carpet or hard floor cleaning. Floors at or below ground level are subject to retain excess moisture through a wicking action called capillary action. The impermeable rubber baseboards will retain this moisture causing widespread mold and odors.

Uncapped Sump Pit Will Increase Radon Levels

Open sump pits and other holes in the foundation can increase overall radon levels, especially in the winter when the surrounding ground is frozen. Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the EPA recommends testing for radon in your home every two years.

Broken Fiberglass Insulation Can Enter Through Loose Recess Lighting

Fiberglass insulation from the attic, air ducts, and above the ceiling can break apart and enter the airspace through cracks and openings within recess lighting, air vents and other fixtures. It is recommended to test your air for fiberglass and seal all fixtures to prevent unwanted glass intrusions. Children and Asthmatics appear most sensitive to elevated fiberglass counts with symptoms ranging from irritated eyes, persistent couging, and runny nose. 

Air Movers Ineffective At Drying Wet Carpeting

Air movers, fans and other drying techniques are generally not effective in drying carpeting. Biological growth will occur within 72 hours. The infrared image above shows wet areas around the air mover after 2 days. Mold and bad odors will result causing adverse health conditions in the home or building.

Ice Dams Lead To Mold

Ice dams occur due to many variables to include roof pitch, insulating properties and the amount of freezing and melting on the roof. The consequences of ice damming will last far beyond the winter season as moisture seeps into the attic sheathing and walls causing black mold.