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Mold growth is one of the most serious issues associated with flooding, and if not addressed properly, it can linger and wreak havoc on a property. It spreads quickly, so you must act quickly if you want to save your property from mold damage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to avoid mold after a flood.
Perhaps your home has experienced water damage; stay tuned to learn how to deal with the situation and avoid mold growth.
You’ve probably heard about the harm mold can cause to your home and health. But what exactly is mold? Understanding how mold grows is the first step in preventing a mold problem in your home.
Mold is a hyphae-based multicellular fungus. The hyphae are responsible for the production of spores, which allow mold to spread and reproduce. Mold spores are microscopic and travel through the air in search of a suitable environment.
Mold thrives in damp or moist environments, which is why it can be found in bathrooms and ceiling tiles of homes with leaking roofs. Growth occurs between 24 and 48 hours after the spores settle on wet surfaces.
Mold remediation can be an expensive process. Aside from the cost of cleaning mold, you may need to replace the affected area’s wet insulation, which is an additional expense. However, you can avoid the stress and expense by following the mold growth prevention tips listed below.
Following a flood, the first and most important step is to remove excess moisture so that you can assess the extent of the damage and begin drying out affected objects and surfaces. Standing water can lead to significant moisture issues later on.
Taking care of the water problem reduces the likelihood of mold growing in the affected areas of the house. Plastic buckets are a simple, low-cost, and efficient way to remove excess water.
Using a wet-dry vacuum is a less stressful and more thorough method. This machine can pump out 5-10 gallons per minute and can be rented or purchased at a hardware store.
If water damage has occurred to your home’s carpeting or flooring, removing the affected flooring area or carpets is another practical step to prevent mold growth.
Carpets pose a high risk of mold reproduction because they provide a humid environment for mold and dirt on which spores can feed.
However, if the flooding was minor or quickly contained, you may be able to dry your flooring or carpets using common household items such as targeted cleaners or baking soda. However, in extreme cases, do not hesitate to remove the affected flooring and carpets.
It is best to dry the affected areas with rags and towels before examining the significant changes to damaged objects and surfaces. Water can be removed from floors and furniture by laying rags on them.
Following that, it will be easier to assess the damage and plan your next steps. Remember to clean nonporous surfaces in affected areas as mold can grow on hard surfaces as well.
Spores require moisture to reproduce, whereas mold requires a warm, moist environment to thrive, so keeping your home at a low relative humidity is another practical strategy for preventing mold infestation.
Mold can be prevented by keeping your home’s relative humidity below 60%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
A humidifier can help you achieve the recommended relative humidity percentage. Install the equipment in the affected area of your home to exchange warm, moist air for cooler, drier air, resulting in mold-free conditions.
Disinfecting surfaces is essential for mold control. After drying the affected areas, disinfecting impacted surfaces like floors and baseboards is a crucial step towards disease control and eliminating bacteria.
America’s agency for environmental control says you can tackle or prevent minor outbreaks with bleach or a water-detergent mixture. Remember never to mix bleach or bleach-containing disinfectants with ammonia to avoid toxic fume production.
However, a consumer-grade disinfectant will do an excellent job of eliminating bacteria from surfaces.
While it is possible to save flood-damaged items in some cases, getting a replacement is often preferable, especially if the item’s appearance is no longer the same as before the damage.
If you notice color changes on your furniture, carpet, or walls, as well as musty odors around them, it’s time to replace them.
Ignoring such obvious signs of water damage can lead to bigger problems. If you have underlying lung disease and are exposed to mold, you are more likely to develop fungal infections. Don’t put your health at risk for anything.
Mold, on the other hand, will continue to spread, whereas old stains and dirt will not. If you’re not sure if the spots on your walls are normal stains, you can tell if they’re a sign of a bigger problem if:
It produces a musty smell.
The material with the spots is peeling or warping.
Bleach drops lighten the spot color in a minute or two.
There’s a nearby moisture source.
Mold can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people. Contact a professional mold remediation service if you notice any mold or are unsure if mold is growing in your home.
Allow the dehumidifier to run until porous surfaces are completely dry. Depending on the extent of the damage, drying out a flooded home can take days or weeks.
Meanwhile, materials such as insulation and plaster may not dry completely or may take longer to dry, so it is preferable to replace them.
All Pro Restoration is a family-owned company that specializes in providing 5-star restoration services. We have the best set of hands to help with your property’s restoration and remediation, whether it’s water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or sewage damage.
Call us at 508-250-0590 to avail one of our services.
All Pro Restoration has 25 years of experience in the restoration industry, They have knowledge that goes above and beyond the competition
Our family-owned restoration business provides the personal touch that is lacking with larger companies. Although experience and knowledge should play a huge role in determining which restoration company to hire, you also want to work with certified professionals that love helping customers rebound from a highly stressful event like a fire or a busted water line.
We provide mold and water damage clean up restoration service to all of Massachusetts.
