For those of us who have faced devastating floods, the immediate focus is often on physical safety and protecting cherished possessions. But once the water recedes and cleanup begins, a silent, lingering threat can remain: mold.
When a flood impacts your home, some of the worst damage isn’t always visible. Water can seep behind walls, under floors, and into unseen spaces, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. Why is mold testing so critical? Because mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after a flood, it spreads quickly and leads to structural damage and health risks.
We’ve written this article to explain the why, when, and how of mold testing. Our goal is to offer clarity and to help you make more informed decisions about protecting your home and health.
The Importance of Mold Testing
Health Risks Associated with Mold Growth
Not all mold is hazardous, but certain types can cause severe health issues. Mold spores travel through the air, making them easily inhaled. For some, exposure can lead to:
- Respiratory issues
- Headaches or fatigue
- Skin and eye irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma flare-ups
- Long-term immune system damage (especially in older people, children, or immunocompromised individuals)
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms now, consistent exposure to hidden mold could harm you and your family over time. This is why mold testing is not just a one-time task, but a proactive measure to detect potential health risks before they become a long-term problem.
Identifying Mold Types and Their Effects
While it’s easy to spot black patches on drywall or fuzzy growth under the sink, there are many different types of mold. A professional mold test will help determine:
- The kind of mold: Mold could be Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, or Penicillium. Each has its health impact.
- Aspergillus: May cause allergic reactions, asthma-like symptoms, and a severe infection known as aspergillosis.
- Stachybotrys: Commonly known as “black mold,” this causes respiratory issues, skin problems, and even neurological symptoms.
- Penicillium: May trigger allergies and lung infections.
- Concentration levels: Mold concentration levels are measured in spores per cubic meter of air (sp/m3). When levels exceed thresholds, it indicates a potential mold problem and may require remediation.
- The extent of the spread: This refers to the measurement of how far mold has spread throughout your property, particularly in hidden areas. The extent of the spread is often categorized into levels. Areas under ten square feet are considered minor infestations, while those exceeding 25 contiguous feet are considered major problems and regulated by the state.
Some molds release mycotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Many mycotoxins can cause a range of health problems, from acute poisoning to long-term effects like immune deficiency and even cancer.
Understanding the type of mold you’re dealing with helps professionals recommend the best treatment and remediation plan.
Steps to Conduct Mold Testing in Your Home
Preparing Your Home for Testing
Before testing begins, avoid cleaning, spraying, or ventilating the mold spots, as this could skew the results by dispersing spores or reducing the likelihood of detection.
Clear access to potentially affected areas such as:
- Walls and baseboards
- Attics and basements
- HVAC systems
- Carpets and flooring
- Bathrooms and kitchens
Keep windows and doors closed for at least two hours before testing. This will allow an accurate sample of indoor air quality.
Knowing When to Hire a Professional
Home testing kits can provide basic results, but they’re not enough after a flood. You should always hire a licensed mold testing professional in Texas, especially when:
- You see mold growth, but suspect it’s also hidden behind walls or under flooring
- You’ve experienced recent flooding or water damage
- You or family members are showing symptoms associated with mold exposure
- You need documented results for insurance claims or a remediation plan.
If you can see mold, testing is still essential. That’s because mold spores often become airborne and can impact areas of your home far from the original water damage. The only way to know for sure is air quality testing, which will determine if the contamination is localized or has spread throughout your entire home.
Finding Licensed Help
Texas law requires mold testing to be performed by licensed mold assessors, not just anyone claiming to be “certified.”
What to Look for in a Mold Testing Professional:
- Must be licensed: That’s right, licensed, not just “certified.” You can verify licenses through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- Speed matters: Mold grows fast, and the longer you wait, the worse it can get.
- Local experience: Someone familiar with Texas regulations and climate conditions is more equipped to help.
DCG Environmental, for example, is a licensed mold testing company that provides services in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. We respond within one to two days, which is significantly faster than many competitors, who may take up to a week to respond.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tester
Timing matters—not just for your health, but also for your insurance claim process and remediation timeline. Before you hire anyone, be sure to ask:
| Question | Why It Matters |
| When can the tester arrive? | Many companies have long wait times. DCG can often arrive in one to two days. |
| When will I receive results? | Some companies may take a week. DCG aims to deliver a full report in two to three days. |
| Can you recommend a remediation company? | Testing must happen before remediation. DCG can help you connect with trusted local help. |
| Are you licensed in the state of Texas? | Legal requirement—never skip this question. |
| Do you offer clearance testing after remediation? | It is essential to ensure your home is safe after the remediation process. |
A Simple Breakdown of the Mold Testing Process
To help you visualize the process, here’s a simple table outlining the key steps to take after flooding:
| Step | Description |
| Call a licensed inspector/tester | Ensure that they are licensed in Texas and legally authorized to test your home or building. They should arrive, identify problem areas, and complete testing within 48 hours. |
| Receive results | Lab-certified lab results should be part of the report. They will determine the type, spread, and air quality levels of the mold. |
| Research remediation companies | Need to find someone local and experienced? DCG can help. |
| Contract remediation company | Actual mold removal begins based on testing recommendations. |
| Re-test after remediation | Clearance testing will determine if all mold has been successfully removed and if air quality is safe. |
After Mold Testing: Next Steps
Once you’ve completed mold testing and received your report, it’s time to interpret what those results mean. Your mold test will include:
- Mold species identified
- Spore count levels (indoor vs. outdoor)
- Potential sources of contamination
- Recommendations for remediation
If spore counts inside are higher than outdoors, or if toxic species are found, remediation is likely necessary. This report also becomes critical documentation for insurance claims.
Mold Remediation Options
Mold remediation involves safely removing contaminated materials, treating affected surfaces, and using HEPA filtration systems to remove airborne spores. Depending on the extent of the mold, remediation may include:
- Wall, drywall, and flooring removal
- HVAC system cleaning
- Use of antimicrobial treatments
- Installation of dehumidifiers to prevent recurrence
You must not begin remediation before testing is completed—your insurance may not cover it otherwise. Additionally, do not attempt to remove large-scale mold on your own. Improper removal can release spores into the air, worsening the situation.
Why Timing Is So Important
Homeowners affected by flooding often feel an understandable sense of urgency, but it’s crucial to follow the correct sequence of steps:
- Do not start tearing out drywall or spraying bleach. This can spread spores.
- Do not call a remediation company before testing is complete. They cannot legally begin work without a mold protocol.
- Do not wait too long. The longer you delay testing, the more mold can spread—and the more costly remediation becomes.
With high demand following recent floods in Texas, some companies are taking up to a week to respond. That delay could make a manageable mold issue turn into a whole-house problem. DCG Environmental, for example, is often able to expedite the process, getting a licensed tester to your property in one to two days and providing full results within three days.
Getting Your Home and Health Back on Track
Recovering from a flood can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Between water damage, insurance paperwork, and the stress of making your home safe again, mold may not be the first thing on your mind.
However, it should be one of the earliest issues you address. That way, you can avoid serious health complications, structural damage, and delays in rebuilding your life.
A trusted and licensed mold testing partner can make this process much easier. DCG Environmental offers mold inspection, testing, and clearance services across Dallas, Houston, and Austin. We understand the urgency of this process and are committed to helping flood-affected families move forward safely, quickly, and thoroughly. Visit DCG Environmental’s Contact Page to learn more or request assistance.
But no matter who you choose to work with, remember this: you are not alone, and recovery is possible—step by step, with the right help.