This article provides different ways to prevent mold after flood damage.
Flood damage can cause a host of problems on a property. When floodwaters recede, moisture is often soaked into the flooring, furniture, and walls. This residual moisture is a perfect environment for mold growth. Mold growth can start within a day or two after a flood and quickly spread if not promptly addressed. This article provides different ways to prevent mold after flood damage.
Complete an Initial Assessment
- Conduct a visual inspection for structural damage like a compromised foundation or warped walls.
- Ensure the electricity is turned off at the main circuit breaker to prevent electrical shocks, especially if they have been exposed to water.
- Equip yourself with masks, gloves, and waterproof boots to protect yourself against exposure to possibly harmful mold spores.
- Take pictures and document the damage for insurance purposes before cleaning up.
Quickly Minimize Water Damage
Water extraction is a critical way to prevent mold after flood damage. North Arundel Contracting can do this using our industrial wet/dry machinery to eliminate as much water as possible. Beyond visible water removal, it’s imperative to practice moisture meters to detect hidden moisture within ceilings or walls.
The success of water extraction can substantially impact the ease of the restoration processes. Water extraction ensures we can identify and address hidden pockets of moisture, not just remove visible water.
The Drying and Dehumidification Step
After the water extraction, drying the affected areas is the next crucial step in preventing mold after flood damage. Even though the visible water might be gone, moisture can still linger on the floors, walls, and other materials. Utilizing dehumidifiers and industrial-grade fans can significantly accelerate the drying process, ensuring the affected areas are arid.
Dehumidification occurs with the drying process. The dehumidifiers can capture and eliminate the moisture that the fans evaporate into the air. In addition, monitoring the moisture levels during the drying process is vital to measure the humidity in different parts of the property. Engaging water damage restoration services from North Arundel Contracting could be beneficial in the long term. Call NAC today at 410-766-2855.
Post-Cleaning and Disinfecting
Use antimicrobial treatments to post-dry, clean, and disinfect the affected areas that have been saturated. Once the areas have been dried, cleaning and disinfecting are essential steps to rid the space of any contaminants due to floodwater.
- Clean all surfaces in your property with soap and warm water to eliminate dirt and debris.
- Disinfect the surfaces to kill any viruses, bacteria, or mold spores, especially where mold growth has commenced to eliminate all spores.
- Prevent mold after flood damage by disposing materials that you can’t clean or disinfect such as carpeting drywall, or upholstery.
Professional Mold Remediation
At North Arundel Contracting, our mold remediation experts have the equipment and knowledge to safely and successfully eliminate mold. Whether you are dealing with mold resulting from recent water damage or preexisting mold that was recently uncovered, we are licensed and credentialed to remediate mold problems.
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If you have more questions about our services for your home or commercial facility, North Arundel Contracting is here to help you out. Our trained professionals can teach you everything there is to know about emergency and general contracting services. Call us any time at 410-766-2855 or reach us by fax at 410-553-2367. Feel free to send us an email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, call us at 410-541-0328. For tips, and tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.