Guidelines to Avoid Mold After Water Damage
Although water is soothing, too much of it can cause mold and stress you out. Caring for a flooded basement, moldy drywall, or mildewed grout is not fun. It is best to leave this procedure to the experts because DIY mold removal might cost thousands of dollars in additional restoration and repair costs.
Here are some tips for preventing water damage and the growth of mold as well as how to handle them if they occur.
How Mold Develops Following Water Exposure
Mold isn’t caused by just one thing. Mold may form due to water damage when there is a mix of water, food, temperature, and time.
- Water. Mold can only be grown with water, either in liquid or airborne form. Mold will develop more readily in areas with 80% or higher humidity levels. Stopping the immediate flow of water is a necessity.
- Food. Sometimes, organic products like drywall paper’s wood content, dust, dirt, glues, and other loose debris are called “food” for mold growth.
- Temperature. Mold often can not develop at temperatures below 80 ° F.
- Time. After water damage, mold does not appear immediately. A few weeks may pass before the mold appears under specific circumstances.
- Oxygen. For mold to develop, oxygen is necessary. But ample ventilation will be needed to dry out the area and prevent the growth of mold development.
Can You Eliminate The Mold Yourself?
Homeowners should avoid cleaning the mold independently, which can spread airborne spores from heating and air conditioning systems. There are many ways to eliminate mold, but they are commonly for surface-level mold and not for mold in areas that have been damaged by water. A professional restoration company will address your mold damage most effectively.
How to Adequately Address Mold Issues?
Follow these instructions to prevent mold growth from starting in the first place.
Regulate Indoor Temperature
Mold and mildew may be prevented by controlling moisture. The worst infestations commonly develop in wet crawl spaces, attics, and walls where outside water has seeped into basements with inadequate foundation drainage. The most effective defenses include the following:
- Keeping crawl spaces dry
- Avoiding leaks
- Guaranteeing ample attic ventilation
- Rerouting water away from the foundation
Take the Worst Contaminants First
Know the difference between clear, gray, and black water damage. Despite appearing clean, clear water still has microorganisms in it. Gray water is dirtier from sinks, showers, and washing machines. The dirtiest water is black because it contains human or animal waste. Before addressing the gray and clear water damage, try to clean up any present black water damage. Click here for more info.
Allow Your Home to Dry Out
Air your house while waiting for a suitable specialist to fix your flooding. All windows and doors should be left open, several fans should be installed to push humid air outside, and dehumidifiers should be left running for at least a few days. To reduce the frequency of emptying, look for a humidifier with a bigger tank that can hold 60 or more quarts of water daily.
Hire a Professional
Air ducts, walls, and carpets can all serve as hiding places for mold. Avoid turning on your HVAC system if you think it has been affected. Hire a specialist to look over and clean your unit. Hiring a proficient mold removal company in your area to assess the problem and swiftly restore it to a normal, dry condition is the best option if water damage or a mold issue feels out of control.
Conclusion
While fans and wet-dry vacuums will help you dry out your water-damaged areas, we’ve found that most homeowners only partially dry out the areas. Employing a professional to dry out the water-damaged areas is recommended because they frequently deal with mold prevention and cleanup in addition to drying out moist areas with specialist equipment. The expense of professionally drying water-damaged areas is usually nearly covered by insurance.
