Why Rain Causes Mold

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold found after a storm in an Overland Park, KS home

Why Rain Causes Mold

When a heavy storm hits Overland Park, KS, you probably check your property afterward for damage. What you may not be expecting is to find a musty odor and a mysterious growth. It's not that uncommon for black mold to appear within days after a rainstorm, though. Anywhere there is water damage, fungus growth is a distinct possibility.

Roof Damage
Thunderstorms often wreak havoc on homes. The roof is particularly vulnerable. There are many factors that can lead to roof damage during a storm:

• Hail impact
  
• High winds that detach shingles
  
• Broken tree branches
  
• Clogged gutters
  
  

Any point at which your roof is compromised can lead to a moisture problem in your attic. If you don't find and remedy the issue quickly enough, the water damage can easily turn into black mold growth. In fact, fungus can start to multiply in as little as 24-48 hours after the initial water issue begins, so quick remediation is the key to preventing it. Both the roof and the subsequent damage must be fixed to avoid secondary problems.

Basement Flood
If you have cracks in your foundation or storm flooding overtaxes the sewer system, you may have to contend with a basement flood. While a sump pump can remove a lot of the standing water, the residual moisture can still cause mold to grow on any damp surfaces. You must call certified mold cleanup specialists as soon as you know you have a problem. They can not only take care of your mold issue but also mitigate the water damage so that the fungus doesn't return a few days after they leave.
If you find black mold in your home after a storm, it is probably due to unmitigated water damage nearby. Fast and thorough remediation is vital for taking care of both the mold growth and the underlying issue that led to it.