Preventing Mold After a Home Flood

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Ceiling damaged by heavy rains in Rayford, TX.

No homeowner in Rayford, TX, would disagree that a home flood is at minimum, an inconvenience. Once the excess water has been removed, collateral damage in the form of mold growth can become an issue unless you move quickly to prevent it. In the unfortunate event that it outpaces you, mold removal experts can step in and arrest its momentum and restore your home to its previous condition.

Keeping Mold at Bay

Mold is an opportunistic organism, and its needs are simple: darkness, moisture, digestible material, and a surface on which to grow. Depriving it of these essentials after an episode of flooding is the key to successful mold prevention.

• Response time is crucial. After the excess water has been removed through pumping, mopping, and blotting, dry all remaining moisture within 24 to 48 hours.
• Expose the area to light and air circulation as much as possible. Open windows and run fans.
• Mold growth depends on nutrition. Clean, dry or replace anything it can digest, such as wood, drywall, fabric or any surfaces that can hold dust or dirt.
• Check hidden areas for moisture; mold can grow underneath carpets, behind wallpaper, in ductwork, under ceiling tiles and underfloor coverings.
• Discard paper materials that have been inundated.
• Check household humidity levels. Mold can grow when it is above 45%. Dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity to acceptable levels.

It is important to remain vigilant after your home has flooded and the environment has been thoroughly dried. Because its spores can remain present but dormant for long periods of time, mold growth can recommence as soon as conditions are right. A musty smell can be a giveaway, but mold does not always announce itself in this way. Keeping an eye on areas where moisture can collect makes it possible to nip a potential mold problem in the bud.