Emergency Moisture Cleanup: How We Helped a New Haven, MO Homeowner Get Back to Normal

At True North Restoration of St. Louis West, we know that mold and moisture cleanup can take a toll on any home. Recently, a homeowner requested we help with Chesterfield water damage repair. The homeowoner had started to notice bubbling paint, musty smells, and wall damage in both the basement and second-floor bedrooms. That’s why we act fast to find the source, stop the damage, and make sure the problem doesn’t come back.

What looked like small issues turned out to be a bigger mold and moisture problem that needed expert care. Here’s how we helped this family get their home back on track, clean, dry, and safe again.

The Call: Moisture Cleanup from Basement to Rooms 

The reason for the moisture cleanup, as homeowner explained, was due to unnoticed water damage. They called us after spotting peeling paint, cracked drywall, and a strong musty smell around the house. They had tried to wipe down a few areas but noticed the same issues coming back.

Once we got there, we quickly saw signs of water damage in the basement and several upstairs bedrooms. The walls were bubbling, the trim was soft, and dark spots were forming. Moisture meters confirmed what we suspected, this home had a hidden water intrusion problem.

What Caused the Moisture Problem?

After inspecting the home, we found two main causes:

• Failed window seals on the second floor were letting rainwater leak inside and soak into the drywall and framing.
• Water intrusion at the wall-floor joint in the basement, likely from hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. This allowed water to slowly creep in.
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If left untreated, this type of damage can lead to serious mold problems, wood rot, and poor air quality. Luckily, the homeowner called us before things got worse.

How We Took Control of the Situation

As soon as the problem was confirmed, our team got to work. Here's what we did step-by-step:

Moisture Testing and Inspection

We used a FLIR moisture meter to scan walls, window frames, and floors. The readings showed high moisture levels in key areas. That helped us target exactly where the drying and mold cleanup needed to happen.

Setting Up Containment

To keep mold spores from spreading, we sealed off each affected area with containment plastic. We also brought in a negative air machine to keep the air clean while we worked.

Drying Out the Structure

We placed seven air movers and a commercial-grade dehumidifier throughout the home. These helped dry out wet drywall, wood trim, flooring, and framing materials.

Air Scrubbing

While drying was in progress, we ran a HEPA-filtered air scrubber to clean the air and capture any mold particles or debris floating around.

Surface Cleaning and Antimicrobial Treatment

Once dry, we cleaned all surfaces and applied a plant-based antimicrobial spray to kill mold and stop it from coming back. This treatment is safe for families and pets but strong enough to eliminate microbial growth.

Final Checks and Cleanup

We tested moisture levels again and visually checked each room. Once everything was dry, clean, and mold-free, we removed all equipment, vacuumed, and wiped down the area so the homeowner could move forward with repairs. Thankfully, we made it in time to avoid costly damage.

Got a Moisture Problem? Call Us!

Do you see signs of mold or moisture in your home? Musty smells, peeling paint, or soft spots in walls could mean something serious is going on behind the scenes. At True North Restoration of St. Louis West, we’re here to help 24/7 with inspections, drying, and full-service mold remediation.

Call us today at (314) 557-3990 or contact us online to schedule your inspection. Let us help you make your home safe, dry, and healthy again.