Jonas Storm Floods the Jersey Shore: How to Prevent Mold Growth

This past weekend’s storm not only flooded the streets of the Jersey Shore, but also many homes and businesses. While mold may not be the first thought to enter your mind in the below-freezing temperatures of late January, do not count the resilient fungi out.

Even though mold does not have the ability to flourish in the below-freezing temps, mold spores will not die in these temperatures either. Instead, the mold will go dormant until the thermometer creeps back up and gives the molds the chance to reproduce.

As we saw in the months after Hurricane Sandy, those who were not proactive in addressing the mold in their crawl spaces and homes had much bigger problems to deal with come the spring. Take advantage of these cooler temperatures! Being proactive in assessing and addressing the affected areas in your home can save you money.

If your home or business has taken on water the first step is to dry out the effected areas as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Get fans and dehumidifiers set up and running as soon as possible. You should also discard any wet porous or semi-porous items such as insulation or cardboard. Once the area is dried out, assess the damage. Pay attention to odors, and any visible evidence of mold growth. Remember, allergenic molds do not just colonize in black (black mold); they can colonize in white, yellow, or green too! We highly suggest that you consider a preventative mold treatment in the affected areas to treat and kill the mold that is present, so it does not have the opportunity to create a bigger issue for you come the spring.

Be proactive! To speak to a professional about having a mold inspection for your home, please contact us at 609-457-1134.