When the hurricanes of 2024 swept through Florida, the Collins family in St. Petersburg believed they had escaped with only minor damage: a knocked-down fence, some roof shingles missing, and a small ceiling stain. Their insurance adjuster didn’t find anything serious either. But a few weeks later, things took a turn. Mrs. Collins started getting headaches and noticed an odor inside the house. What they initially thought was a cosmetic issue turned out to be something far more serious — hidden water damage and high mold levels throughout their two-story home. That’s when they contacted Flood Pros USA.
Initial Mold Inspection and Water Damage Discovery
Flood Pros USA began with a mold inspection and moisture mapping. The team arrived in branded trucks and impressed the Collins family — and their architect friend — with their professionalism and technical precision.
Early Mold Detection and Moisture Mapping Steps:
- Collected air samples for mold testing and developed a licensed remediation protocol
- Used thermal cameras and moisture meters to reveal widespread hidden water damage
- Found wet drywall and studs behind the ceilings and walls throughout the home
- Installed dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to begin the drying and air purification process
- Coordinated with insurance while planning demolition of affected materials
Although only a few small leaks had entered through the roof, the undetected water had traveled throughout the home, creating ideal conditions for mold growth behind the walls and ceilings.
Temporary Fogging and Move-Out Coordination St. Petersburg
Once the scope of mold contamination became clear, the Collins family needed time to pack up and relocate while remediation took place. Flood Pros USA supported them every step of the way.
Mold Control, Move-Out Prep, and Family Support:
- Performed antimicrobial fogging to sterilize the home short-term so the family could stay safely while preparing to leave
- Helped the family find a local Airbnb that could accommodate their daughter, a boxer, and a pet parrot
- Coordinated the full pack-out of furniture and personal belongings
- Created a detailed remediation plan and timeline to work around the family’s needs
- Worked within insurance mold coverage limits while helping minimize out-of-pocket costs
Jessica from the Flood Pros team played a hands-on role in helping the family feel supported and organized during the transition.
Full-Scale Mold Remediation Process
With the home vacant and the plan approved, Flood Pros USA got to work. What looked like minor ceiling stains turned out to be extensive microbial contamination throughout both levels of the home.
Mold Remediation Techniques and Equipment Used:
- Removed all visibly affected drywall and ceilings using containment measures
- Extracted wet attic insulation and isolated the HVAC system to prevent spread
- Scrubbed and vacuumed the home thoroughly using HEPA-filtered equipment
- Operated multiple machines including dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, negative air pressure machines, and ozone generators
- Applied white antimicrobial encapsulation paint to exposed wood studs for long-term mold prevention
- Cleaned and restored the air handler and ductwork before final clearance testing
The visual transformation was dramatic — the stripped interior was left spotless and treated with hospital-grade products, leaving nothing behind but clean, safe structural wood.
Reconstruction and Rapid Restoration St. Petersburg
Once the mold clearance certificate was issued, Flood Pros USA moved immediately into the reconstruction phase — and exceeded all expectations.
Home Repairs and Finish Work After Mold Remediation:
- Installed new drywall, ceilings, and trim throughout both floors
- Coordinated in-house trades for paint, cabinetry, and finishing work
- Provided plumbing services as needed without delays
- Reassembled and returned all packed-out contents in pristine condition
- Restored the entire home in far less time than any other contractor had estimated
The Collins family had been told by others to expect a three-month rebuild. With John from Flood Pros USA orchestrating the process, they were back in their home — fully restored, dry, and mold-free — in a fraction of that time.
