What You Need to Do After a Flood

Maybe your property has suffered from recent water damage, maybe you've just begun to notice a funky odor in your bathroom, or maybe you've seen some visible signs — no matter how the scenario begins, it may end with an unwelcome realization: you could have a mold problem. Mold is one of those things that can happen to anyone; all mold needs to grow is an undisturbed place where humidity is above 50% — which, especially in summer, is relatively easy to find.

Mold doesn't just grow in visible areas. There are some tips and tricks you can use to locate a potential mold problem before calling in a professional mold inspector.

Searching for Signs: While mold is known for having a musty odor, that odor can be managed by your HVAC system or covered by other scents. It is a good idea to look around, especially in places susceptible to mold colonization like kitchen cabinets and bathroom areas. Mold may appear as speckles, fuzzy growth, or discolorations ranging from black to brown to green, depending on the strain. Any place with excessive moisture should be suspect — but don't ignore other areas. Mold can grow in spaces between walls, in closets, basements, attics, and even between floors.

Here's a quick checklist that may help as you go looking: Use a flashlight — mold often grows in dim corners and disused spaces. Look outside — many mold problems begin outside the house; check for damage to the roof, walls, and foundations. Look inside — check for visible discolorations or existing water damage. Check your windows — condensation often forms when indoor and outdoor climates differ. Check your vents — ventilation system filters should be replaced regularly to avoid buildup.

Mountain homes in Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Crestline, and Running Springs face particular mold risks. Vacation cabins that sit unoccupied through wet winter months, crawl spaces susceptible to ground moisture, and older construction with limited vapor barriers all create conditions where mold can establish and spread before it is discovered. A professional mold inspection is especially valuable for mountain properties that have been unoccupied for an extended period.

Once you find mold, it is generally best to let professionals handle it. Hiring a professional mold inspection and remediation team helps ensure that your mold problem is addressed at the source. Call DryAgain at (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.

Whether you have spotted ugly discolorations, sniffed out musty odors, or had recent water damage to your property, testing for mold is a good idea. Mold is a common problem, especially in seasons where your indoor environmental temperature doesn't match what's going on outside.

Leaving the air conditioner on in summer can lead to condensation buildup in walls and ceilings. In mountain communities like Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Running Springs, the temperature swings between seasons create conditions where moisture can accumulate in ways that aren't always obvious.

A professional mold test can identify the presence and type of mold in your home, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about remediation. Testing is especially valuable when you can smell mold but can't see it — a common situation in older mountain cabins and homes with crawl spaces.

Air sampling involves collecting air samples from inside the home and comparing them to an outdoor baseline. Elevated indoor spore counts relative to the outdoor sample can indicate an active mold source inside the structure. Surface sampling involves swabbing or tape-lifting from a visible growth to identify the mold species present.

DryAgain offers professional mold testing services throughout the San Bernardino Mountains. Our IICRC-certified technicians use industry-standard testing methods to assess your property. Call us at (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.

Part of the many problems that can affect older homes is detecting water damage. This can be caused by a serious storm, poor foundations, or leaking pipes. Sometimes it's easy to spot signs of water damage, but more often than not you may not see it until it has progressed. Undetected water damage can cause ongoing wetness and structural issues.

Common signs of water damage include: stained or discolored ceilings and walls, peeling or bubbling paint, warped or buckled flooring, musty odors, and visible mold growth. In mountain homes, roof leaks from heavy snow loads are a frequent source of water intrusion that can go unnoticed for extended periods.

Check your attic after heavy rain or snowmelt — this is often where water first enters a home. Look for wet insulation, staining on rafters, or daylight visible through the roof deck. In basements and crawl spaces, look for efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on concrete walls, which indicates water has been moving through.

In Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, burst pipes during freeze events are a significant source of water damage — particularly in vacation cabins that are left unheated. When a pipe bursts in an unoccupied cabin, water can saturate walls, subfloors, and insulation for days or weeks before anyone discovers it. If you are returning to a mountain property after an extended absence during cold weather, a thorough inspection for water damage is advisable.

If you suspect water damage in your home, it's worth having a professional assessment. Early detection can help limit the extent of damage and reduce the likelihood of secondary issues like mold growth. Call DryAgain at (909) 337-7900 to schedule an assessment.

Mold is a fungus found throughout the natural environment. While it plays an important role in breaking down organic materials outdoors, mold growth inside a home is a different matter. Recurring mold in your home can lead to property damage and may affect the health of those living there.

How mold grows in your home: Mold spores are microscopic and can float on air currents, entering your home through windows, doors, clothing, and pets. When spores find a moist surface, they can settle and begin to grow. Areas with moisture and organic material — like wood, drywall, and dust — can support mold growth.

Preventing mold growth: Proper ventilation is key. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and laundry areas help reduce moisture. Ensuring ductwork is properly ventilated prevents moisture buildup in attics and basements. Regularly checking under sinks and around plumbing for leaks is also a good practice.

What professional mold remediation involves: Professional mold remediation typically includes containment of the affected area using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure, removal of mold-contaminated porous materials, cleaning and treatment of remaining surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobial products, and HEPA air filtration throughout the process. Remediation follows IICRC S520 standards.

In mountain communities like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, mold remediation often involves crawl spaces, attic spaces, and wall cavities where moisture has accumulated over extended periods — particularly in vacation properties that have experienced water damage while unoccupied.

If you notice traces of mold in your home, professional help is advisable. Mold remediation specialists have the equipment and training to address mold at the source. DryAgain's IICRC-certified technicians can assess your property and recommend an appropriate course of action. Call us at (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.

Mold is a natural part of our environment. It plays an integral role in nature by helping to break down dead trees and leaves — but it's not helpful when growing inside a home. A common question from homeowners with a mold issue is: how and why did mold start growing here?

Mold often goes undetected for a long time because it reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air. As they float, they seek out damp, moist areas and settle there. These damp surfaces within your home become breeding grounds for more mold spores.

Mold spores don't become a significant problem inside homes until they find a suitable host spot. Simple solutions to moisture buildup include exhaust fans in laundry and bath areas, properly ventilated ductwork, dehumidifiers on air conditioning units, and regular inspection under sinks and in cupboards for leaks.

In mountain communities, moisture control is particularly important in crawl spaces. Many homes in Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Crestline, and Running Springs have crawl spaces that are susceptible to ground moisture, snowmelt intrusion, and plumbing leaks. A vapor barrier and adequate ventilation in the crawl space can help reduce the moisture conditions that support mold growth.

Mold remediation is about controlling the habitat to prevent future mold growth. By addressing moisture sources and fixing issues that allow water and dampness to persist, you remove the conditions mold needs to thrive. If mold keeps returning even after you believe the problem has been fixed, the source may be deeper than it appears — and professional assessment is advisable.

If you have mold or need mold removal services in the San Bernardino Mountains, call DryAgain at (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.

Infrared (IR) cameras are one of the most valuable tools in a water damage professional's kit. Just like infrared thermometers, they detect surface temperatures — allowing technicians to identify areas of moisture hidden behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings without invasive demolition.

After a water intrusion event, a professional will use an infrared camera to assess the extent of moisture migration throughout your home. This allows for a more accurate scope of work and helps ensure that all affected areas are addressed — not just the ones that are visibly wet.

Other key tools include: moisture meters (which measure the moisture content of building materials), industrial air movers and dehumidifiers (which accelerate the drying process), and thermal hygrometers (which measure temperature and relative humidity to track drying progress).

In mountain communities, professional equipment is particularly important because water damage often occurs in hard-to-access areas — crawl spaces, attic spaces, and wall cavities — where moisture can persist without visible signs. Infrared cameras and moisture meters allow technicians to identify and monitor these hidden moisture pockets without unnecessary demolition.

Having access to professional-grade equipment is one of the key advantages of calling a restoration company rather than attempting to dry out a property on your own. DryAgain's technicians are equipped with industry-standard tools to assess and address water damage throughout the San Bernardino Mountains. Call (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.

If there is water damage on your property, calling professional water damage experts is generally advisable. While some minor cleanup can be handled independently, there are meaningful risks involved in taking on significant water damage as a DIY project.

Professionals bring specialized equipment: Industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, moisture meters, and infrared cameras allow professionals to assess and address water damage more thoroughly than standard household tools allow. Hidden moisture behind walls or under floors can lead to mold growth if not properly identified and dried.

Professionals understand the drying process: Effective water damage restoration isn't just about removing standing water — it's about monitoring moisture levels in building materials over time and adjusting equipment placement to achieve proper drying. This process typically follows IICRC S500 standards.

Professionals can help with insurance documentation: A restoration company can document damage, provide moisture readings, and prepare estimates in formats that insurance adjusters are familiar with. This documentation can be valuable when filing a claim.

In mountain communities, professional response is especially important for vacation properties. When a burst pipe or roof leak occurs in an unoccupied Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear cabin, a professional can assess the full extent of damage — including hidden moisture in crawl spaces and wall cavities — and provide documentation that supports the insurance claim.

DryAgain's IICRC-certified technicians serve the San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding communities. Call (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.

Water damage is one of the more serious and common problems homeowners face. Choosing the right restoration company can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here are some factors worth considering.

Certifications and licensing: Look for companies whose technicians hold IICRC certification — the industry standard for water damage restoration. Verify that the company is properly licensed and insured in your state. In California, a valid CSLB contractor's license is an important indicator of legitimacy.

Experience and local knowledge: A company with experience in your specific area understands the local building types, climate conditions, and common causes of water damage. In mountain communities, this means familiarity with issues like roof leaks from snow loads, frozen pipe bursts, and seasonal moisture patterns.

Transparency and communication: A reputable company will explain the scope of work, the drying process, and what to expect at each stage. They should be willing to answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the project.

Insurance coordination: Many restoration companies can work directly with your insurance company, helping to document damage and prepare estimates. Ask prospective companies about their experience with insurance claims.

Local availability: In mountain communities, response time matters. A company based in or near the San Bernardino Mountains can respond more quickly than a valley-based company that has to navigate mountain roads — particularly during winter weather when road conditions can be challenging.

DryAgain has served the San Bernardino Mountains for over 35 years. Our IICRC-certified technicians are fully licensed and insured, and we work with most major insurance companies. Call (909) 337-7900 for a free phone consultation.