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A stain from a water leak will usually be brown and concentrated in a single area where the water is originating from. You may find it under a damaged section of roof, under an upstairs bathroom, or beneath your HVAC system. Stains from condensation are more likely to be widespread since they don’t come from a single point of water intrusion. Condensation stains also look blotchy and may smell musty, and they won’t be concentrated in a single area on your ceiling.

Professional carpet cleaning can cause mold if the job is not done properly. There are two ways this can happen—if your carpet cleaner fails to dry the carpet properly, or if your carpet cleaner uses an excessive amount of water during the cleaning process. Mold can grow wherever moisture is present, so make sure you hire a pro who knows the process inside and out.

Living in a house with smoke damage could be safe on a temporary basis, but it depends on the severity and type of smoke damage. If you have major smoke damage or soot present from a fire, you should relocate to keep you and your family safe. Breathing in soot can cause respiratory issues, and it can contain carcinogens, so move out until you get professional remediation done. Your insurance company may cover the cost for alternative housing while your professional works.

If you need mold remediation, you’re probably looking at a bill of a couple thousand dollars or more. Sometimes, though, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover some or all of the costs of the remediation. If the black mold forms because of a covered event, such as a storm that damages your roof, and causes leaking or flooding in the basement, it’s possible the policy also covers mold remediation. It never hurts to ask your insurance company if it will cover the cost of black mold remediation.