If you need assistance with mold as discussed in this article call us at 973-366-4660 or email us at info@atlenv.com for details and a free estimate.
Hurricanes Can Cause Storm Damage Mold
Written by: Henry P. Shotwell, Ph.D., CIH, Vice-President And Robert E. Sheriff, MS, CIH, CSP, President
February 26, 2016
We all know that Hurricanes leave a wide swath of destruction in their wake. Many communities along the shoreline are devastated. Many, many homes are completely destroyed; only rubble remains.
Many of the houses, apartment buildings and stores that survive the structural damage wrought by the storm face delayed damage. High winds drive water through cracks and crevices around door jambs and window casements and into the spaces between the outer buildings’ sheathes and inner walls made of gypsum. The storm damage mold that is possible may not become apparent for some time, depending on how much water has penetrated. It generally takes 3 to 7 days for mold to develop under normal conditions.
Hidden water intrusions will do one of two things, if the intrusion is not continuous: if a small amount of water has penetrated, it may dry up without any obvious damage. But, if the amount of water that has penetrated is substantial, then the structural integrity of the inside walls will be compromised and mold growth will be likely. In addition, along the shoreline, the penetration will be salt water, which is not only very conductive but also very corrosive. Wiring and other electrical equipment may corrode or cause shorts in electrical circuitry. Owners may need to have their buildings checked out by an electrician to ensure the wiring has not been compromised.
How will you know if your building has had a water intrusion and storm damage mold? If the wallboard has absorbed enough water, you may notice bulges or staining in the surface, especially near the floor. If the walls are painted, you may notice that the paint is flaking and chipping. The walls may feel cool and damp. You may even begin to detect a moldy or musty odor. In all likelihood, mold is growing on the backside of the wallboard and may eventually become visible.
If you experience any of those signs of water intrusion and storm damage mold growth, you need the services of an experienced and well-qualified company to advise you of the most effective and economical strategy for restoration. We have moisture measuring equipment to test surfaces and relative humidity in the air. We also have infrared cameras that can detect temperature changes on building materials that indicate the presence of elevated levels of moisture and possible mold growth. Atlantic Environmental, Inc. has been in the business of protecting the health and safety of workers and the community since 1978. Call us at 973-366-4660 or e-mail us at info@atlenv.com
Our primary service areas for Mold Testing/Sampling and Consulting are: NJ, NY, NYC, PA, CT, DE, (Boston) MA, RI, Wash DC, WI, MD, MI, (Chicago) IL, VA, IN, (Atlanta) GA, AL, NC, SC, TN, (Dallas, Ft Worth) TX, OK, DC, AR, we can service most other areas of the U.S. but with some added travel charges.