Mold
Mold after water damage
Mold follows moisture. Dry the materials and fix the source, and most of the problem goes away with them.
What the state health department says
The California Department of Public Health says mold needs only organic matter and moisture to grow, and that fixing moisture problems keeps it from growing in a home.
It also says porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles and upholstered furniture usually cannot be cleaned of mold effectively, and that removing damaged materials without fixing the moisture source does not work.
Licensing, as the state describes it
CDPH states that California has no legal requirement for training, licensing or certification of mold assessors or mold remediators.
That does not make the work unregulated. Construction work on a home, such as opening and rebuilding walls, falls under the contractor license law described in the hiring guide. Referral callers should still ask the contractor for a license number and look it up.
When mold may be a claim question
The state insurance department says mold damage from a covered cause can be covered, and warns that with long-term leaks mold may already be present. It tells homeowners to contact their adjuster before cleanup, because disturbing mold can spread spores.
Signs the state lists
- Visible
- Water-stained, discolored or moldy surfaces
- Damage
- Warped floors, peeling or bubbled paint, rotting wood
- Damp
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Smell
- An earthy or musty odor
Water is still moving, or the room is already wet?
Call the number and describe what happened. You are connected with an independent restoration contractor who serves your ZIP. Calling early helps, because wet drywall and flooring get harder to save each day.