Recent heavy rain and flooding across southern New Mexico have shown just how quickly water can become a serious problem. From Hatch and the surrounding Hatch Valley to communities along the Rio Grande near Las Cruces, excessive rainfall has caused flooding, standing water and rising river levels.
Once the water begins to recede, however, another concern can remain inside homes and businesses: mold.
At Asbestos Experts, we want property owners throughout southern New Mexico to understand how heavy rain and flooding can lead to mold growth, where hidden moisture may be found and why quickly addressing water-damaged building materials is so important.
Recent Heavy Rain in Hatch and Las Cruces
Southern New Mexico has experienced significant rainfall and flooding, particularly throughout Doña Ana County. The Hatch Valley experienced serious flash flooding, while areas including Hatch, Rincon, Garfield, Radium Springs and portions of Las Cruces were affected by excessive runoff and rising water.
The Rio Grande near Las Cruces also experienced unusually high water levels following the storms and runoff. La Llorona Park in Las Cruces was temporarily closed because of rising Rio Grande water levels.
For residents in these areas, the immediate focus during a flood is safety. But once conditions improve and it is safe to return to a property, homeowners and business owners should begin looking for signs of water intrusion.
How Heavy Rain Can Cause Mold
Mold needs moisture to grow. After heavy rain or flooding, water can soak into materials throughout a building, including:
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Wood
- Carpet and padding
- Baseboards
- Ceiling materials
- Flooring
- Cabinets
Even after standing water is removed, these materials can remain damp.
Mold growth can begin quickly when building materials remain wet. This is why addressing water damage as soon as possible is so important after flooding or significant rainfall.
You Don’t Have to Be Directly on the Rio Grande
Homes directly affected by flooding aren’t the only properties at risk.
Heavy rain in Las Cruces, Hatch and surrounding Doña Ana County communities can expose problems that may have gone unnoticed during New Mexico’s normally dry weather.
A small roof leak, for example, may suddenly allow a significant amount of water into an attic. Rain can also enter around windows, doors, stucco and other exterior openings.
Water may collect around a foundation or enter low areas of a home. In some cases, homeowners may not realize there is a problem until they notice a stain, odor or damaged building material several days later.
Signs of Mold After Heavy Rain
After a period of heavy rain, pay attention to changes inside your home or business.
Possible signs of a moisture or mold problem include musty odors, dark spots on walls or ceilings, peeling or bubbling paint, water stains, warped flooring, damp carpet, soft drywall and visible mold growth.
Don’t ignore a persistent musty smell simply because you can’t see mold.
Water can travel behind walls, underneath flooring and above ceilings. The visible damage may only represent a small portion of the affected area.
Hidden Moisture Can Be a Bigger Problem
One of the challenges following a major storm is determining where the water actually went.
You might see a water stain on the bottom of a wall, but moisture could also be trapped inside the wall cavity. A ceiling leak could affect insulation above the ceiling long before visible mold appears inside the room.
Flooring can present similar problems. The surface may feel dry while moisture remains underneath it.
This is particularly important following flooding because simply removing standing water does not necessarily mean the building is completely dry.
Flood Damage Can Also Create Asbestos Concerns
Mold isn’t the only environmental concern property owners should think about after flooding.
If water-damaged materials need to be torn out, there may also be a potential asbestos concern, especially in older homes and commercial buildings.
Certain older building materials can contain asbestos, including some types of flooring, adhesives, insulation, textured ceilings and other construction products.
Flooding does not create asbestos. However, cleanup and restoration work can disturb materials that already contain it.
Before tearing out questionable building materials, having them properly evaluated can help determine whether asbestos is present and whether professional abatement is necessary.
What Should You Do After Flooding?
Safety should always come first. Never enter a property if there are concerns about structural damage, electrical hazards or contaminated floodwater.
Once the property is safe to access, look for visible signs of water intrusion and document damaged areas.
Pay particular attention to walls, ceilings, flooring, closets, cabinets and areas near exterior doors and windows.
If materials remain damp, you notice a musty odor or you discover visible growth, consider having the affected areas professionally evaluated.
And if water damage means older building materials need to be removed, don’t begin demolition until you know whether those materials could contain asbestos.
Mold Can Happen Even in Southern New Mexico
Because Las Cruces and Hatch have dry desert climates, it can be easy to underestimate the possibility of mold.
But mold doesn’t care what the average annual humidity is. If water enters a building and remains trapped inside drywall, insulation, flooring or other materials, mold can have the moisture it needs to grow.
The recent heavy rain and flooding along the Rio Grande near Las Cruces and throughout the Hatch Valley are good reminders that New Mexico properties are not immune to water and mold damage.
Call Asbestos Experts After Water Damage
If your home or business in Hatch, Las Cruces, Doña Ana County or elsewhere in New Mexico has experienced flooding, heavy rain or significant water intrusion, don’t overlook what may be happening behind the walls or underneath the flooring.
Asbestos Experts can help identify potential mold and asbestos concerns so you have the information you need before beginning cleanup, demolition or restoration.
When it comes to water damage, acting quickly can make a big difference.
Contact Asbestos Experts today to learn more about mold and asbestos testing in New Mexico.