Mold Threatens Flooded Central Texas Homes Amid Summer Heat, Experts Warn

Historic flooding has been ongoing for weeks in Central Texas, damaging or destroying hundreds, if not thousands, of homes as the cleanup process begins. Experts are advising people to act quickly to prevent further growth, which is becoming a more significant problem.

It only takes 48 hours for mold to start growing in a flood-damaged home in Texas during the summer. In the absence of immediate action, it can spread rapidly, causing significant damage to buildings and posing health risks.

While stationed in Kerr County, TJ McAvoy is a part of the veteran-led disaster relief group Team Rubicon. His group has been helping people clean up and gut damaged homes so that mold does not grow.

"Removing moisture and porous materials quickly is the key," McAvoy said. “That means taking down the walls, insulation, and carpets and treating the surfaces with bleach or something else to stop the mold before it spreads.”

Unmaintained kitchens can harbor mold, and the accumulated stress in flood-damaged homes can quickly escalate into a hazardous situation. It can quickly take over a house in Texas because of the high heat and humidity. This makes fixing the problem more difficult and expensive.

"Muck and gut" operations are what Team Rubicon volunteers are working on. They are removing wet building materials and opening up structures so that rebuilding can begin without having to deal with mold cleanup later.

Josh Lasch of the Austin-based Steam Team, a company specializing in water damage restoration, emphasized the importance of acting quickly. Mold can grow very quickly in homes that lack power or air conditioning.

"You might have a few more days in a heat-controlled room." However, due to the current heat and humidity, there is only a 48- to 72-hour window to move, Lasch said.

As soon as possible after flooding, he advises homeowners to contact a licensed mold expert to assess the damage and protect the building and its occupants.

Mold can lead to breathing problems, allergic reactions, and sometimes long-term health issues, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

If you act quickly and decisively now, experts say you can prevent long-term damage, maintain your home's value, and help families rebuild sooner after one of the worst weather events the region has experienced in years.