Mold Can Begin Growing in Just 24 Hours, so Snowstorm-Hit Homeowners Warned To Dry Out Hidden Moisture, Fast
Timely action is vital for preventing hidden mold after extreme weather and snow
Your home is a firm barrier between you and freezing winter weather, but as the extreme snow currently sweeping across the US begins to recede and melt, moisture can start to secretly seep indoors, often without any obvious signs.
Left unchecked, that hidden dampness can lead to mold, odors, and long-term structural damage to your home.
How to Dry Out Your Home After Extreme Winter Snow Storms
With at least one foot of snow falling in over 20 states across the US, in recent days, over 85 million people are currently living under an extreme cold warning. According to the National Weather Service, these extreme cold temperatures could cause burst water pipes, risking havoc to homes and utilities, but leaks aren't the only type of damage your home is at risk from before and after adverse weather.
If your home feels damp or smells musty after the recent spate of severe winter storms, heavy rain, ice, and snow have likely found a way to seep into your home. Some spots are more prone to this type of damage than others, says Michael Rubino, council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC, air quality expert, and founder of HomeCleanse.
To narrow your search, he suggests checking the following after snow and ice:
- Your attic and roofline
- Basements
- Around windowsills and doorframes
- Around all pipes (in case of freeze-related cracking)
- Ceilings and walls on upper-level floors
- Floors, including baseboards, carpeting, etc.
- Around the HVAC system
'When you’re looking around, assess for visible moisture like pooled water, condensation, damp materials like drywall, etc.,' Michael urges. 'Use a flashlight [from Amazon] and thoroughly go through each space, including behind furniture, to check for mold. A small issue can turn into a big problem down the road, so make sure to cover every square inch.'
When searching, you are looking specifically for any physical signs of damage, such as staining, warping, bubbling paint, cracks, or rust. Wet surfaces are also a key sign.
Michael adds, 'Don’t just rely on a visual assessment, either. If there are musty odors or the area seems humid, that can also point to problems, like mold, that need to be addressed. A great option is to assess the home with a hygrometer [available from Target] to check for high humidity.
'Finally, it’s a good idea to use an at-home mold test [also from Amazon] as a final check down the road to ensure there wasn’t a hidden issue that allowed for microbial growth somewhere in the home that requires calling a professional.'
Drying Out Your Home
Fix the issues now from any moisture that has snuck in during adverse events to help prevent an uphill battle.
Before drying out your home to prevent lasting damage after a storm, you have to fix the areas allowing moisture in in the first place, Michael warns. Without doing so, you will be fighting an uphill battle in the long term.
This can range from refreshing the waterproofing silicone caulking (such as Gorilla Silicone Sealant, from Amazon) around your window and door frames, to hiring a professional to waterproof and damp course your home.
Once you have prevented further microbial growth, Michael urges efficiency. 'Dry the area thoroughly and dry it fast. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours if water is present, so remove any moisture quickly. Your goal should be to keep indoor humidity below 50%. This helps materials release absorbed water. A dehumidifier is a great resource to help keep these spaces dry.'
The Insignia 35-pint Dehumidifier, from Best Buy, is ideal for this, with quiet operation covering up to 2000 square feet. Michael stresses the importance of wearing protective gear, such as work gloves from Amazon and a protective N95 Respirator face mask from Lowe's, to protect your health when dealing with damp spots, too.
'After it’s dry, clean surfaces using tools like HEPA vacuums, microfiber cloths and mops, and botanical cleaners to remove spores, bacteria, and organic matter that can be food for microscopic growth.' You can also clean with vinegar to remove mold, but you must pay attention to dwell times to kill all the spores.
What to Shop
The Kayenqo Mold Test Kit contains 12 test plates, a detailed mold guide and mold removal instructions, 12 swabs, label sheets, and test gloves, a complete kit for easy mold testing at home for a variety of spores.
This dual hydrometer and thermometer makes it easier to keep tabs on both humidity and indoor temperature so you can maintain the perfect temperature to curb mold.
Reuben urges, 'Aim for relative humidity around 30–40%. Use your thermostat and ventilation to maintain that balance, and you’ll avoid most damp/mold problems without driving your heating bills through the roof.' This Energy Star dehumidifier can help when you don't want to open windows in winter.
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic non-toxic cleaning tool for any home. When used correctly, it can help to kill mold and bacteria, as well as tackle odors and lighten stains, all without harsh chemicals.
Made of 98% nylon and 2% elastane with a 100% acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber coating for a secure grip, these gloves are ideal for protecting your skin when working with damp or moldy surfaces.
If you suspect mold, wear a mask when cleaning and drying the area out. Even without visible growth, spores can irritate your airways.
Meet the Expert
Michael Rubino is a mold and air quality expert, Author of The Mold Medic, an Expert’s Guide on Mold Removal, and founder of HomeCleanse, a revolutionary company with the vision to end the worldwide health epidemic caused by poor air quality and toxic indoor environments. Michael is a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association.
If you are concerned about further damage, Michael suggests, 'Contact a mold inspector 72-96 hours after the space has dried just to make sure there aren’t any hidden issues.' Then, consider some different ways to winterize a house to prevent the issue again in the future.
