The nasty aftermath of water damage: mold & mildew
Posted on June 19, 2017
Water damage can come from a number of sources. Something as simple as a leaky pipe in your basement to a torrential flood can cause your home to suffer water damage. The aftermath of water damage always, leave the same results- as mess to clean up, and the possibility of leaving behind a silent menace. Wherever you have serious water damage and flooding, you have the danger of Mold developing. Mold poses a serious and dangerous threat for all of us.
Mold loves moist warm areas and can take hold in a matter of hours. It is spread through the air by shooting out spores. It is imperative to protect your family and property from the threat of mold by having the affected area dried and cleaned immediately. You must dry it out to remove the mold’s optimum growth conditions, and then clean with soap, water, and a disinfectant to make sure none of it remains lying dormant.
While you can try DIY methods, it is best to use to the services of a professional mold remediation company. These are highly trained and certified experts that are aware of mold’s dangerous growth cycles and the serious health concerns associated with an infestation. The health and well-being of your family and safety of your home should be your top priority!
Mold not only slowly eats away at your home and belongings, but also can jeopardize human and animal health, and can cause major respiratory problems stemming from allergies, all the way up to lung diseases for all the occupants. The mold remediation process will first begin by identifying the areas of growth and damage, the areas that retained the most moisture. They will then go on and work to eliminate the cause through cleaning and sanitizing. Mold removal should follow the steps below to assure complete eradication.
- Identify, Contain and Remove excess water and moisture in all affected areas
- Dry all affected areas thoroughly. If necessary, use a shop vac, fans, and dehumidifiers
- Dispose and any item /materials that cannot be cleaned and sanitized properly
- Clean & disinfect all of your Structure, its contents, & any fixtures using a strong soap, and good disinfectant like bleach
Take precautions when moving through the area(s) try to stop the flow of water:
- Broken pipes- shut off water main
- Malfunctioning appliance – turn it off
- Sewage – call the city or your service
- Storms- are an act of nature, but you can try to cover any holes and diver the flow
Shut off any electrics in the areas flooded, and be wary of objects that could be lurking in the high water. Make sure you dress in protective gear if attempting the cleanup on your own. Boots, gloves, masks, and goggles are recommended. Following these guidelines will save your home and your precious belongings. If you feel that that this job is more than you can handle, please call a professional. Nothing is more important than your family’s health and safety.