Florida is the hurricane capital of the United States because it has a tropical climate. High humidity levels, storms, and floods are not uncommon and, due to climate change, these can occur simultaneously. The high levels of moisture make the air thick and heavy besides providing the ideal breeding ground for mold to grow.
Even if you insured your home for mold damage in Florida, there is no guarantee that you will get the compensation you paid for. However, professional public claims adjusters can help you out because they know how to represent your case.
How Humidity Contributes to Mold Growth
Water is the main ingredient for mold growth- whether it is left in a pool or is present in high concentrations in the air itself. When humid air comes into contact with objects that are cooler in comparison, condensation is imminent. If that occurs on a porous surface or an enclosed area, mold will grow through the cracks.
The damper and warmer the area, the more mold will grow. Common places where it can grow out of control if allowed to include:
The microwave and stove – Grease splatters and food spills can create an environment in these appliances that are conducive to mold growth.
The pantry and refrigerator – Expired food is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Food that has been forgotten in the refrigerator or the pantry for months can grow rampant and contaminate the entire space.
The kitchen sink – Black mold can grow under the kitchen sink undetected for months because that area is rarely cleaned or inspected regularly.
The bathroom sink, shower and bathtub – Florida home are notoriously humid during the summer and since the bathroom is NEVER completely dry, it can make mold grow faster than it can be eradicated.
The Role of Hurricanes in Mold Growth
Hurricanes are common on the coastline and inland in the state. While the storms can leave devastation in their wake, they can also result in hidden dangers way after they subside. The water damage can lead to mold growth in homes that were exposed to the elements after the hurricane or had significant water damage.
How does that happen? During a hurricane, high speed winds hurl loose items such as tree branches and trash which often crash into homes. This leads to damaged windows and large cracks that allow water to seep in. The pooling water can eventually turn stagnant and lead to mold growth even after the water dries up or is pumped out.
Besides broken windows and cracked walls, a hurricane can punch holes in the roof or blow shingles off that would otherwise prevent water damage. Without that protective layer, the roof can develop leaks and the water may trickle down into the attic without you being the wiser. Since that area is damp, dark and wet, it can breed mold faster than you can control it. If the hurricane causes a tree to land on the roof, you may have a bigger mold problem on your hands.
If a hurricane is accompanied with torrential rain, a flood is imminent. This is a common problem in coastal properties around the Florida coastline especially those that are right near the water’s edge. The rising waters can submerge several floors of a building in little to no time. Even when those waters recede, the high humidity and moisture levels it leaves behind can lead to mold damage.
Whether you live near the coast or inland, you should be able to recover the losses from your insurance company. Mold damage in Florida is fairly common so you should be able to get enough to reverse the damage with Darryl Davis Public Adjusters on your side. We can help you convince your insurance company that the mold damage was the result of water or storm damage using results from our inspection. If you have a mold related emergency, call us now at (954) 709-3982 Mold Damage Tips.