Mold After Water Damage: What Sussex County Homeowners Should Know

Mold needs moisture, a food source like drywall paper or wood, and time. After a leak or flood, the first two are already there, so time is the factor you control. This page is general information to help you make decisions; it isn't a remediation service.

Why mold follows water damage

Mold spores are present in nearly every indoor and outdoor environment. When materials stay wet, spores can begin to grow. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home). That's the main reason fast water removal and professional drying matter so much.

Signs to watch for after a leak

• A musty, earthy odor that lingers after the visible water is gone.
• Spotting or discoloration on drywall, baseboards, ceilings, or the backs of cabinets.
• Paint bubbling or peeling, or wallpaper lifting.
• Warped or cupped flooring, which signals moisture is still present below.
• Recurring condensation or high humidity in a basement.

If anyone in the home has asthma, allergies, a weakened immune system, or other health concerns, talk with a doctor about exposure and consider limiting their time in affected areas.

What New Jersey does, and doesn't, regulate

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there are no State certification programs for companies performing mold or general indoor air services (NJ DOH, Mold). Bills to create a registration or certification requirement for mold inspection and remediation contractors have been introduced in the Legislature, but as of this writing they had not become law. Check current status if it matters to your decision.

Because there's no state mold license, it's even more important to ask good questions. Contractors doing repair work on your home may still need to be registered as New Jersey home improvement contractors with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Small areas vs. large areas

EPA's general guidance is that if the moldy area is small (less than about 10 square feet), many homeowners can handle cleanup themselves following its guidance, while larger areas, mold in HVAC systems, or mold caused by contaminated water warrant professional help. EPA's mold guidance for homes covers cleanup basics and protective steps.

Questions to ask before hiring anyone for mold work

• What caused the moisture, and how will it be fixed? Mold work without fixing the water source tends to fail.
• What exactly will you remove, clean, or treat, and how will you contain the area to avoid spreading spores?
• What standards or guidelines do you follow, and what training does your crew have?
• Do you also offer testing? Some homeowners prefer an independent inspector for any testing, separate from the company doing the remediation, to avoid a conflict of interest.
• How will you confirm the job is finished?
• Are you registered as an NJ home improvement contractor, and do you carry insurance?

Testing: when it helps

If you can see mold, testing usually isn't needed to decide that it should be cleaned up. Testing can be useful when you smell mold but can't find it, when there's a dispute, or to check results after remediation. If you test, consider an inspector who isn't also selling the remediation.

Insurance and mold

Many homeowners policies limit or exclude mold, but some cover mold that results from a covered sudden water loss, often with a cap. Check your policy's mold provisions and ask your insurer. See our insurance claims guide.

The best prevention is fast drying

If you've just had a leak, the most useful thing you can do about mold is remove the water and dry the structure properly. See emergency extraction and drying and dehumidification, or contact a restoration company you choose.

Choosing a mold professional in New Jersey

Because New Jersey doesn't currently license mold contractors, ask questions directly:

• What training do your workers have, and do you follow a published industry or government guideline?
• Will you fix the moisture source, or only clean the mold? (EPA's guidance is that the water problem must be fixed or mold will return.)
• How will you contain the work area to keep spores from spreading?
• Do you carry general liability insurance, and what does it cover?
• If you also test, is the tester independent from the company doing the removal?
• Is any construction work covered by your NJ home improvement contractor registration?

People at higher risk

EPA and health agencies note that people with allergies, asthma, other respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems may be more sensitive to mold. If anyone in the home has health concerns, talk with a medical professional.