Mold can invade any home, but mobile homes are at increased risk of mold problems. With the East Coast recovering from recent damage caused by Hurricane Hermine and Louisiana dealing with the effects of historic flooding, water damage is at the forefront of our minds.
Cindy Phillips learned firsthand about the perils of dealing with mold damage in a mobile home. Even though flood waters didn’t get inside her Louisiana home, they still reached the bottom of the home, causing moisture to seep inside. She quickly noticed uncomfortable symptoms that turned out to be caused by mold, according to KATC-TV-3 in Southwest Louisiana.
"Our washroom floors were uneven," Philips said. "It was soggy. It alerted us that the floors were wet. My nose had started burning, then Sunday my nose was bleeding, and I didn't know what it was...come to find out the mold inspectors said the mold would have done that."
Whether you’re looking for some knowledge prior to installing a mobile home or, like Cindy, are dealing with the effects of mold and water damage, keep reading for some of the things you should consider.
Proper Installation
All mobile homes should be installed by a licensed installer. If they’re installed improperly—on land that’s not leveled, for instance—moisture can accumulate under the homes and lead to mold growth.
What to Do If You Have Water Damage
When Mother Nature strikes, there’s always the possibility of mold caused by flooding and other water damage. The key to limiting damage, including mold, is quick and thorough action to stop it as soon as it starts. So what can you do?
If You Still Have Standing Water: If you notice that there’s still standing water after a flood, drying your mobile home is the most important first step. For lighter water issues and damage, you could consider renting or buying a water damage restoration fan and remedying the problem yourself.
If the damage is worse or you’re just not comfortable tackling the cleanup on your own, consider bringing in a water restoration professional. The Cleaning and Restoration Association has resources for helping you find professionals in your local area.
Find the Moisture: There’s a good chance that moisture is still present in your home even after the flood waters recede. Water can become trapped behind drywall and insulation, under carpeting, and on wood floors.
A moisture meter like the Dri-Eaz SurveyMaster Moisture Meter is a great option for checking these spaces for water without causing unnecessary damage. Remove and replace damaged materials. If the mold growth is large, find and call a mold remediation professional to clean it up.
Control the Moisture: The key to mold control is moisture control. Strive to clean up any water damage within 24 hours to prevent mold growth. Using a hospital-grade sanitizer and disinfectant like Dri-Eaz Milgo Plus on surfaces will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Continue to Monitor: It’s ideal to keep your indoor humidity levels below 50 percent. You can monitor humidity with a hygrometer or humidity gauge. Use a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth and eliminate uncomfortable, muggy conditions. It works by removing excess moisture from the air. It’s recommended that indoor humidity levels be between 30 and 50%.
Check for Mold
Sometimes lighter mold spores are hard to see. In this case, it’s beneficial to have your home tested for the presence of mold. The best way to do this is by using a product like My Mold Detective that samples your air. Using a pump, it quickly takes a sample of your air and deposits mold spores onto a cassette. Send the sample into the lab and you’ll have feedback about your air quality in a matter of days.
Symptoms of Mold Presence
Reactions to mold range from mild to life-threatening. Mold spores not only produce allergens, but they can also produce airborne toxins known as mycotoxins. Mold can easily trigger asthma attacks. If left untreated, mold symptoms could progress to a fungal infection of the sinuses or lungs. Symptoms of mold exposure include:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Itchy nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Shortness of breath.
Have you dealt with mold damage in a mobile home? Still have questions? Contact our Product Experts at 1 (800) 934-9194 or [email protected] for additional information and help.
