How Do You Know If You Have Mold After A Flood?
The first step in flood mold removal is identifying where mold is growing. Mold often appears as a stain or fuzzy growth on a surface. A surface may also appear to be warped, cracked or peeled. Make sure to check every surface in contact with the flood water for visible signs of mold. Mold can also grow in places that aren’t easily visible. In these cases, be on the lookout for a musty smell in your home, and watch out for sudden respiratory symptoms.
How Long Does Mold Last After A Flood?
New mold can start growing as soon as 24 hours after a flood. Mold will continue to grow indefinitely until it is properly removed and remediated. Floods can produce new mold as well as expedite the growth of pre-existing mold, so make sure to check any space in your home that is vulnerable to mold, especially crawlspaces and basements, and call the experts for flood mold remediation if needed.
How Do You Treat Mold After A Hurricane?
After a hurricane, you can work through the basic steps of flood mold removal. Start by checking every surface in the house that was in contact with flood waters. Minor mold spots can be cleaned with household cleaners or a simple bleach solution, but larger mold growth will require the help of professionals. Be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, eyewear, and an N95 mask when removing mold. Any items in your house that are porous or otherwise cannot be dried should be thrown out immediately. Items that retain moisture are especially susceptible to mold growth.
Mold Remediation After A Flooding Disaster
Flood mold remediation removes mold and prevents future mold growth. Smaller mold growth can be hindered by normal cleaning and removal, but flooding often causes severe mold growth that requires professional help. Professional flood mold remediation includes:
- Flood Mold Inspection. Experts inspect your property to find the type, size of the infestation, and source of mold.
- Containment. Experts isolate moldy areas to stop the spread of mold to other parts of your home.
- Removal. Where possible, experts remove mold from surfaces. Sometimes this step involves complete removal of moldy surfaces from the home.
- Cleaning. Experts clean remaining surfaces with HEPA-filter-equipped vacuums, anti-microbial solutions, and sealant to prevent future mold growth
- Prevention. Experts will work with you to establish habits and techniques to prevent mold growth in the future.
Do Dehumidifiers Help With Mold Removal After A Flood?
Dehumidifiers can help keep moist areas dry and limit mold growth after a flood. However, they cannot outright remove mold, and in some cases they can make mold growth worse; It is possible for mold to grow within a dehumidifier and spread from there. This can be mitigated with proper care and cleaning of the dehumidifier tank and air filter. Dehumidifier use after a flood should always be paired with proper flood mold removal and remediation.
How To Prevent Mold After A Flood?
The best way to prevent mold after a flood is to remove all waterlogged and porous items. Items that came into contact with flood waters are most susceptible to mold growth and should be the first items cleaned and/or removed. While flooding can create new mold growth, it often affects homes by causing pre-existing mold to grow more rapidly. You can prevent flood mold by properly taking care of existing mold in your house before a flood event. Remember that mold is caused by moisture, so control moisture in your home wherever it is possible. Invest in professional flood mold remediation services if you live in an area that is commonly affected by flooding events.
Contact MSR Restoration For Flood Mold Remediation!
If your home has been afflicted with severe flood mold, MSR Restoration provides flood mold remediation services. With a team of highly-trained professional mold experts, we are capable of handling even the toughest mold conditions. Our experts can treat any mold problems and advise you on mold prevention tips for the future. Contact MSR Restoration today for a quote on removing problematic mold from your home.
