5 Things Homeowners Should Do if Mold Damage Happens After a Flood

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Storm water cleanup

Take The Following Steps To Protect Your Property

When a home in Mount Prospect, IL, is impacted by floodwaters, the property becomes susceptible to mold growth. Microscopic spores take off, spreading within the space. Spores grow when they interact with liquid and organic matter. Once this reproduction starts, it's hard to control. The organisms multiply quickly within 24 to 48 hours. It's important that residents take the following five steps to protect the property.

1. Remove Moisture
Any standing water is a mold concern. Work quickly with a water restoration company in Mount Prospect, IL, to evaluate the extent of exposure; then, immediately work to dry out the rooms. Place industrial dehumidifiers in wet zones, allowing the devices to extract humidity from the air and structure. In addition, any additional water should be pulled out of the residence using a wet vacuum.

2. Reduce Spore Levels
Fungus thrives not just on the surface of objects but within them as well. Therefore, the best method to hinder mold growth is to physically reduce the contamination. Anything porous and damp should be extracted. Tear out drywall, ceiling, and carpeting if it was exposed. These cannot be cleaned with chemicals.

3. Apply Antimicrobial Formulas
Nonporous items may remain, but they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Any lingering fungal or bacteria infestations may be handled by applying an antimicrobial spray.

4. Clean Contents
Don't just focus on the house. Also, consider what is inside the space. Furniture, pictures, and other valuables may be harboring spores. Content cleaning specialists have high-tech equipment to salvage some of these important pieces. Work with the remediation team to see what may be kept and what needs to go. It's important to evaluate everything.

5. Replace Saturated Materials
New drywall and flooring may take time, but the actions permit a fresh start for the residents and assist in providing a cleaner space. Once the room has been sanitized properly, the new materials may be brought inside.
Mold growth doesn't take a long time; in fact, once a flood occurs, the issue could begin overnight. For this reason, homeowners should act quickly to mitigate the destruction, concentrating on maintaining a dry space and eliminating fungal numbers.