The Changing Climate
It's an indisputable fact that our climate has been evolving over the years, primarily due to human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The repercussions of this transformation have become evident in various ways, including prolonged droughts and devastating wildfires in the western regions, excessive rainfall in the east, unusual cold spells in the northwest and deep south, rising sea levels causing shorelines to recede, and an increasing frequency of storms such as tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. These climate shifts have also led to extended power outages lasting for days or even weeks. In some areas, like mine, the aftermath of tropical storm Ida brought about unprecedented flooding affecting millions.
The Impact of Damage
When a structure, be it a house, apartment, condo, or commercial building, sustains damage from factors like wind, fire, flooding, or frozen pipes, it becomes vulnerable to the elements, primarily rain. Frozen pipes can rupture, leading to severe internal flooding. Water can infiltrate through foundations, exterior wall coverings, and damaged roofs and windows. In cities with municipal sewers, sewage backup can become a concern.
The Connection Between Storms and Mold
Mold requires moisture to flourish, and this moisture can take the form of actual water or ambient humidity. Surprisingly, even ambient humidity levels of around 60% or so are sufficient for mold spores to thrive. Thus, mold is not limited to growing only in situations where basements are inundated with standing water; it can develop when humid air enters a building through damaged windows. The longer water or humid air remains within the building, the greater the risk of mold growth.
Recommended Actions
If you encounter any form of water incident, whether it's flooding, a plumbing leak, a roof leak, or even the smallest trace of moisture on a floor or wall – it doesn't take more than a small puddle to encourage mold growth – immediate concern is warranted. Even signs of dampness in the air or a musty odor should be taken seriously. In cases of severe issues, such as flooding or sewer backups, it's advisable to contact a disaster remediation company to remove the water, dry the area using specialized dehumidifiers, fans, and heaters, and, if applicable, eliminate the lower sections of sheetrock.
Subsequently, it's prudent to engage a mold assessor like Building Performance Solution! to conduct an assessment. This assessment typically involves collecting air and swab samples, which are then sent to a lab for analysis to determine the presence of mold. Mold can pose significant health risks and should be treated with the utmost seriousness. In instances of elevated mold levels, a "protocol" or action plan for remediation (cleaning) is developed, along with recommendations to prevent the issue from recurring. Even when faced with natural disasters such as roofs blowing off, certain preventive measures, like waterproofing a basement, can mitigate damage. While some disasters are inevitable, they are the exception rather than the rule.
Even if no mold issue is identified, a report may be provided to offer guidance on preventing future mold problems. Common recommendations may include waterproofing, dehumidification, ensuring proper roof ventilation, removing vegetation that is too close to the building, checking for potential plumbing issues, and installing adequate bathroom ventilation.
In Conclusion
Climate change has had a discernible impact on the proliferation of mold in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue as atmospheric and ocean currents become warmer. To safeguard your home or building from these effects, it is advisable to contact a licensed mold assessor such as Building Performance Solution! for an assessment. This assessment can determine whether a mold problem currently exists, outline remediation strategies, and offer guidance on protecting your property from potential mold-related issues in the future.