Flooding or other water damage can cause substantial damage to homes and businesses. When the first problem has been resolved, another major problem can occur due to moisture: mold growth.
Mold manifests as mildew colonies on wood, ceiling tiles, bits of cardboard, wallpaper fabric, carpets, drywall, and even insulation after water damage. It may grow almost anywhere in your home when there is a lot of moisture for a lengthy time.
The best action is to figure out how to avoid mold growth resulting from water damage in the first place.
Simple Steps to Prevent Mold Growth
If you have encountered water damage in your home or place of business, you must act promptly to prevent mold from forming in the damaged area before the mildew and mold process begins. People may stop mildew and mold growth in its tracks by following three simple steps: dry, clean/disinfect and remediate. We will go through each of these three procedures in detail below so you will know what to do in your own house or business.
Step 1: Dry
In addition to drying, you will probably need to get rid of any moist or moldy carpeting, as well as any potentially infected food. Depending on the extent of your damage, discarding the damaged components may suffice for most of the “drying” required.
However, remember that mold can grow almost everywhere if excess moisture is left unchecked. Because of the intensity of the flooding, you will need a variety of instruments on hand to ensure that the water-damaged region is dried thoroughly and properly.
Step 2: Clean/Disinfect
It’s time to clean after you have finished the initial stage of drying out the area as much as possible. Anything that has come into contact with dirty water should be disinfected. Scrub and clean hard-surfaced wall and floor and any other nearby surfaces that have been impacted by floodwater with soap and water.
Mildew and mold don’t have a chance to thrive because of the “clean and dry” approach. Remove any furniture from damp surfaces and wear a mask and gloves while cleaning to stay safe. This frees up space in the room, protects your skin from disinfection solutions and abrasive materials, and keeps you from inhaling hazardous substances. Contact a property damage restoration for more information.
Step 3: Remediate
When your house or business has experienced significant flooding, you need to contact a professional water cleanup team who can handle the situation swiftly, effectively, and, most importantly, safely. After water damage, drying and cleaning/disinfecting are good places to avoid mold growth. Naturally, some flooding might be so severe and devastating that you will need a team of professionals to come and take care of the remainder.
A mold cleanup team will first spray the damaged area with biocide, a mold-killing substance approved by the EPA. Finally, the team will apply a second coat of whitewash or paint (typically the next day) to trap the mold spores in place. Click here to learn more about water damage restoration.
Call in the Mold Professionals
Flooding and mold are not to be taken lightly. As a result, you may require some additional assistance from time to time. If this occurs, contact a specialist immediately.
Flooding and severe other water damage scenarios are not only unexpected, but they also have the potential to harm valuable items. Inform an expert of your situation, and they will ensure that you are back up and running in no time.
