If you have just moved into a new place a while back and noticed that your basement has a slight dampening or you noticed water in unwanted places, be warned. Water in otherwise dry places can cause serious damage to your furniture, appliances, walls, and all your prized possessions. The way that water creates this havoc when it stores in unwanted places is by producing mold. The growth of mildew and mold causes spore formations. This makes cleaning mold a top priority for homeowners as soon as they notice it.
Effects of Mold and Mildew
In a building that has been water damaged, the maximum loss that occurs is because of mold. These grow in moist conditions and can even grow in slightly damp areas. The longer it is allowed to grow, the more difficult and problematic it becomes. Mold and mildew produce air-borne spores that on large exposures can cause allergic reactions in children and even induce asthma. Other effects on health include a suppressed immune system leading to frequent infections. While mold removal is best kept to professionals, you can take a few steps toward preventing and managing it by yourself.
Quick steps after water damage to avoid mold growth
Remove all the wet carpeting and best discard it. If you want to save the carpet, get it cleaned, disinfected and dried. Remove wet insulation materials right away, these stay wet for a long time and cause the growth of hidden mold and fungi. Before you replace these insulation materials back, ensure that the subfloors, slabs, and wall framing are completely dry. This can be done by using a heater, air-conditioner, or dehumidifier. Contractors get this done by using special dehumidifying blowers for fast and efficient drying.
Before you close the walls, test the moisture content in the sheathing and studs. Wood moisture content must be below 20% by weight.
Getting rid of the water
If you are facing a flood situation where water has accumulated, you must remove it immediately before mold growth initiates. This can be done after moving all electrical material and loose wires from the area. The traditional way of using towels, buckets and mops are effective in removing water. You can also pour the water into your sewers or your lawn. You can avoid using an electrical wet/dry vacuum and go for a sump-pump from your local hardware store. If you are using a vacuum cleaner, try to put the switch as far away as you can from the water and keep the extension cords away too.
Drying and Disinfecting
Ventilation to a wet area is the best way to dry it naturally. After you have removed all the stagnant water, you must leave the area open to natural air. If your wall was affected, you will have to cut the affected areas away as the paper will crumble and provide a good source for mold growth. Use an excellent disinfectant to get rid of the bacteria and germs that might have come from sewers, toilets etc. Before your start with disinfection, wear gloves and a respirator mask (N-95 or better) to avoid exposure. You must never disinfect with bleach in ammonia or acids like vinegar. Choose disinfectants that are phosphate free to avoid leaving behind phosphate residues.
Prevent further mold growth
For items that you know cannot be salvaged, discarding becomes the only option left. Discard the items responsibly and try to recycle it from your local recycling station. If you have items that you believe can be salvaged, use solutions such as Concrobium. This product forms a thin layer over the surface of furniture, walls, and floors and breaks and crushes the roots of the spores. Therefore, it prevents mold from forming colonies and provides continued resistance.
Get professional help
As we said earlier, mold removal is a very crucial and critical process for novices. We, therefore, recommend you get professional help in removing mold growth during situations of water damage. With mold removal service providers, such as 911 Remediation water damage and mold removal services , you get expert level cleaning of mold which includes mold inspection, air quality & surface testing, black mold removal, decontamination and sanitation, sewage clean up and much more.
Mold removal is an issue that has to be managed as soon as it is identified. This problem can grow out of proportions and adversely affect not just your physical possessions but also the health of your family. While expert help is something that you should opt for, you can take some steps to manage the condition yourself until help arrives.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
