Water damage is not uncommon, especially in homes located near wet regions. Mold can form in any quantity of water, especially if it’s not addressed immediately. It can also lead to respiratory irritation and allergies. Mold is also known to spread quickly once the water begins to evaporate into the atmosphere, especially in humid and rainy situations.
Mold growth can further lead to mold damage. You must wait until the mold has been removed and the company responsible for the repairs has cleared to start the repair process.
The process of drying out water damage isn’t always simple. It’s best if you hire a professional because they’ll be equipped with the right tools to finish the job efficiently and quickly.
Here are some helpful tips to help you get rid of mold post water damage.
How Does Water Damage Causes Mold?
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that thrive in damp and dark environments. Mold and mildew can develop from water damage. This is because they thrive in humid environments. Water seeps into porous building materials following a flood or major leak. This prevents the water from completely drying out.
Because the porous material is damp, it has enough organic substances to support mold growth. Mold can easily form if the moisture remains for too long. Mold may grow within 24 to 48 hours after a water catastrophe, so there is a small window of opportunity to prevent mold growth from happening in your house.
How to Prevent Mold Growth After Water Damage
Get rid of the water
It is important to drain all floodwater. You have two options: rent a water vacuum to remove the floodwater or use a traditional bucket to clean up the area. You should not touch the water from a natural flood or a sewer backup. Contaminated waters can cause serious health problems and disease by containing pathogens, chemicals, and pathogens. You can clean up water from burst pipes or leakages without any special equipment.
To reduce moisture, use a dehumidifier
Mold thrives in moist, warm environments. Spores, however, need moisture to reproduce. The low relative humidity is one of the best ways to stop mold growth in your home. Relative humidity, in simple terms, is the ratio of the amount of water vapour in the air to what it can hold at a particular temperature. The relative humidity is expressed in percentages.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping your home’s relative humidity below 60% for mold removal.
A dehumidifier can be used in or around water-damaged areas of your home to achieve this effect. Dehumidifiers remove warm, moist, and humid air while bringing cooler, dry air into your home. This creates a less conducive environment for mold growth. Strong fans can have the same effect.
Ensure that you examine the exterior of your property.
For groundwater accumulation, make sure to inspect the exteriors of your buildings and homes. If the ground is saturated, mold can grow outside and make its way into your home. Water can build up on your foundation, so it’s imperative to drain the water away. To prevent mold growth, keep things dry.
Eliminate all Damp Items
It is not enough to remove water. Mold prevention does not end with that. To avoid mold growth, it is important to get rid of any soaking materials. You should also remove absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles, carpets, or rugs. Clean them as much as you can to get rid of germs and contaminants. After that, air dry them in the sun.
Sanitize Everything
After removing all moisture, you need to clean and disinfect all surfaces. Over-the-counter cleaning products can be purchased that will kill bacteria and prevent the growth of mold. These products can be purchased at your local hardware store. You can also use bleach to treat small areas of mold infestations. You should be able to prevent mold growth if you follow the steps.
Unfortunately, preventive measures won’t always work. You should call a professional immediately if you continue to see signs of mold growth. DIY mold cleaning methods can be dangerous and ineffective. For you to breathe in the cleanest indoor air, professional cleaning is required.
Call Professionals for Mold Remediation
It is possible to get mold even if you don’t follow the steps correctly and within the timeframe recommended. If you notice the presence of mold, you could employ commercial mildew or removal products for mold. Other options are to use bleach or wash soda.
Although the steps above sound quite simple, they’re extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming. Additionally, in the case of a natural catastrophe, searching for the necessary equipment could be difficult and frustrating since everyone is likely to be seeking the same equipment as you.
The best way to ensure success in stopping mold growth following water damage is to think about hiring a mold remediation company such as Kings Restoration.
Final Thoughts
It’s never a fun encounter dealing with the growth of mold; however, you can trust Kings Restoration to get the job completed as swiftly as possible. We have certified mold remediators. We’ve received the proper training and insurance that guarantees only safe and accurate work.
Kings Restoration can provide various repair and cleaning services if you’ve seen mold grow because of water damage.
If you are concerned about mold growth and suspect it is growing, contact our mold removal company and schedule a rapid mold inspection immediately!
