Water-Damage and Mold: What You Need to Know
Accidents happen. Many home owners experience a flood in the basement at one point or another, but that doesn't mean it is frustrating and worrisome! As if a flooding wasn't bad enough, now you have a legitimate fear of mold growing in the water damaged area. This is a very real risk, especially for those who decide to opt-out of water damage restoration services.
Luckily, there are ways to help prevent the growth of mold in a flooded home. Here are some tips and tricks to dealing with mold-worries.
- Dry all wet items as quickly as you can. The use of air conditioning, heat fans, and dehumidifiers might aid you in this. Quickly get rid of wet carpeting as soon as possible. If the carpet is salvageable, clean and dry it immediately. However, take extra care with carpets, as they are notorious for harbouring and growing mold after water damage.
- A leaky and damaged roof is a mold paradise. These areas can harbour large, fast growing colonies of mold. Improper ventilation could lead to stale and locked in moisture, which will further feed the mold. If you are unable to find a solution on your own, or have never dealt with a water-damaged roof, then perhaps hiring a trained professional will be beneficial to your house hold.
- Growing mold looks different from dormant, non-growing mold. Growing mold is “fuzzy” and slimy in appearance. Dormant mold is powder-like and and dry in appearance. Growing mold is the real issue in these circumstances, as it can spread and continue infesting other areas. Dormant mold is still an issue, of course, and should be treated immediately. However, if there is also growing mold, it should be the more time-sensitive priority instead of the dormant mold.
- Materials used in the extermination of mold should be properly taken care of and disposed. This means that all mouldy and contaminated tools should be removed, bagged, and thrown away. Do not reuse clothes, clothes, and other items that have come into high contact with the mold infestation. Reusing these tools could result in yet another infestation.
- Don’t assume you’re safe if mold doesn’t immediately pop up. Stay conscious to search for signs of mold and mold growth. If mold returns, this could be a signal that the item was not sufficiently dried the first time, and it may need to be removed (to prevent further growth). Having a false sense of security will do nothing but surprise you with unwanted damage, long after the flood has been taken care of.
Mold can be tricky and could pop up long after the water damage from flooding. While all these tips are valuable, it is a good idea to consider having a professional deal with the possibility of mold. Not only will you be in the best hands in mold prevention and care, but it is also just one less job for you! Act swiftly and wisely to prevent further unneeded damage.
