Why DIY Water Damage Repairs Can Lead to Bigger Problems

Why DIY Water Damage Repairs Can Lead to Bigger Problems

Many homeowners and business owners attempt to tackle water damage cleanup on their own—only to find themselves facing even bigger issues, like mold infestations. Over my twenty-eight (28) years in property management, I’ve seen this happen far too often. These well-meaning DIY efforts frequently fall short because the affected areas aren't thoroughly dried or remediated, leading to mold growth that spreads and causes significant damage.

Common DIY Mistakes That Lead to Mold

Some of the most frequent missteps I’ve witnessed include:

• Leaving windows open to air dry wet areas

• Using small box fans (like the kind found at convenience or hardware stores)

• Running high-powered fans over wet carpet without removing the carpet pad underneath—allowing mold to grow in hidden layers

• Not properly drying vinyl composite tile (VCT) or wood floors, which traps moisture underneath and fosters mold growth

Mold: The Unseen Threat

What many don’t realize is how mold operates:

• Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye.

• They spread easily throughout a home or business, searching for damp environments.

• Mold thrives in dark, moist, humid conditions.

• Spores can settle and grow on walls, ceilings, floors, furniture—any surface that retains moisture.

• Leaks, flooding, storm damage, and humidity can all lead to mold growth.

• Mold can start growing within just 24–72 hours.

Early Signs of Mold

Watch for these red flags:

• Musty or unpleasant odors

• Discoloration in areas (green, brown, yellow, or even black)

• Water stains that become smelly or change in color

• Visible mold growth

• Allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or respiratory irritation

Why DIY Water Damage Repairs Can Lead to Bigger Problems?  Mold can form.

If you suspect mold, call My Water Damage Hero right away at 610-228-7440 for professional testing and remediation. We provide comprehensive mold services, including mold testing, mold reports, mold protocols, mold remediation, and mold reconstruction. We also offer mold warranties (3-year and 10-year options) depending on your needs and budget.  Call today at:  610-228-7440 for a free estimate, or visit our website at:  www.mywaterdamagehero.com.

Our 8-Step Mold Remediation Process

You can jump directly to Step 6 (Mold Remediation) or Step 8 (Reconstruction) at any time—no need to complete all steps unless you want to!  We are happy to accommodate any or all needs.

Step 1: Mold Testing

We identify the types and concentrations of mold present in your property, whether it is your home or business.  Some forms of mold are more likely to be dangerous than others, or trigger allergies in some people.  For these reasons, sometimes a person or business may wish to have mold testing performed to confirm what type(s) of mold is/are present.

Step 2: Mold Report

A detailed, photo-supported report helps you and any stakeholders understand the extent of the problem.  This can be helpful when you need to show these photos to a spouse, family member(s), business partner(s), or board of directors.

Step 3: Mold Protocol

Our certified industrial hygienist creates a protocol outlining exactly how to remove the mold safely and in accordance with industry standards.  It will also outline how the containment is erected for the safety of any persons who are inhabiting the space (family members or co workers) as well as the safety protocols of the employees who will be remediating mold and the way that they perform their work.

Step 4: Containment Setup

We isolate the affected area using plastic barriers and negative air pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the building.  This set up is outlined in the mold protocol.

Step 5: Pre-Testing

Air samples are taken inside and outside the containment zone to assess the current mold levels before removal begins.  Sometimes, a control sample will also be taken from the outside air.  The Industrial Hygienist, or the IH, is typically the person who takes the air samples.  Air samples may be replaced with swab samples, depending on the weather and other factors.

Step 6: Mold Remediation

Our trained and certified technicians safely remove mold using professional-grade, state-of-the-art equipment and protective gear.  If a mold protocol was written, the scope listed is followed. If it was not, they are directed by the IH as to how to complete the remediation.

Step 7: Clearance Testing

Once remediation is complete, we re-test air samples - in the sample places as the pre-testing took place - to ensure mold levels are safe.  The air samples in the Clearance testing are compared to the air samples in the Pre-testing.  If the clearance test passes (showing that there is no presence of mold, or it is at acceptable levels according to industry standard, in comparison to the pre-testing), the containment is removed and remediation is considered completed).

Step 8: Reconstruction

If needed, we provide a detailed estimate to rebuild the affected area, restoring your home or business to its original condition before the mold remediation project began.

Why DIY Water Damage Repairs Can Lead to Bigger Problems?  When you place an insurance claim for mold, your insurance company may deny the claim! Please stop and contact My Water Damage Hero first before filing an insurance claim that involves mold or before you mention the word mold to your insurance agent or insurance claim specialist!

Insurance Considerations for Mold Remediation and Reconstruction after Water Loss

Before filing a claim, it’s crucial to review your insurance policy carefully. Many policies exclude coverage for mold or fungi, unless you’ve purchased additional mold or fungus coverage.

We strongly recommend contacting My Water Damage Hero first.

Please provide your:

1. Insurance Declaration Page

2. Certificate of Insurance

3. Complete Insurance Policy

We will review your insurance documents as listed above to help determine if you may have insurance coverage for mold. If insurance coverage is likely, we’ll walk you through the claims process, even joining you on the call with your insurance claims representative and/or your insurance claims representative if needed.

If we believe you do not have coverage, we’ll explain why—and advise against filing a claim, as it could negatively impact your insurance rates without yielding any benefits.

Summary: 

Why DIY Water Damage Repairs Can Lead to Bigger Problems?

1. Don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Mold spreads fast and improper cleanup can cost you thousands down the line.  Contact us immediately after the water damage so we can stop mold growth before it starts with proper water damage treatment, water extraction, water removal, and drying!

2. Contact My Water Damage Hero today for water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, expert mold testing, mold remediation, and water restoration. Phone:  610-228-7440  Website:  www.mywaterdamagehero.com

___________________________________________

Why DIY Water Damage Repairs Can Lead to Bigger Problems?  When water damage turns into mold, it can threaten more than just your property—it impacts your peace of mind.

At My Water Damage Hero, we offer certified mold testing, expert remediation, and full reconstruction—guided by integrity, compassion, and faith.

As a faith-based company, we believe in serving our community with honesty, care, and excellence. We’ll even help review your insurance to support you through every step.

Call My Water Damage Hero—restoring homes, protecting families, and serving with purpose.  Phone:  610-228-7440  Website:  www.mywaterdamagehero.com