Want to keep your home protected after water damage?
One of the biggest dangers of water damage is mould growth. Mould can creep up on you fast. Before you know it, you’ve got a stressful, costly mould problem on your hands.
Did you know…
Mould can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water intrudes into your home. That small window means that every hour is critical when it comes to cleaning up after a flood.
The good news is that preventing mould growth is possible when water exposure occurs. But you’ll need to know what to do.
Here’s what you’ll pick up:
- Why Mould Loves to Grow After Flooding Occurs
- Your Extremely Important First 48 Hours After Flooding
- How To Dry Out Your Home After Flooding
- Throw Away Anything You Can’t Save
- When To Bring in Professional Flood Cleanup Companies
Why Mould Loves to Grow After Flooding Occurs
Did you know mould spores are already present in every home? They’re microscopic and don’t typically cause a problem. That is, until moisture enters the picture.
When water from flooding makes contact with your walls, floors and furniture, mould spores quickly find a place to land. From there, they’ll grow and expand at rapid rates. Wood, drywall, carpet and insulation are mould’s favourite places to grow. And here’s the worst part…
Mould only needs three things to grow:
- Moisture
- Heat (> 60°F)
- A food source (such as wood, drywall or carpet)
When water damage occurs, mould finds those three things in large quantities. That’s why your reaction to water intrusion is so critical. Contacting a trusted flood cleanup company right away to begin flood damage repair can help prevent mould growth from taking over your home.
Mould is no joke either. Research cited by KFF Health News estimates that 47% of homes across the U.S. currently have visible mould or dampness. Add flooding to the mix and you’re asking for trouble.
Your Extremely Important First 48 Hours After Flooding
If mould can start growing in 48 hours, why does your first hour matter so much?
Because every hour after that gets drastically worse. Most mould colonies will begin to grow within 24-48 hours after flood water exposure. If you wait any longer than that, mould will spread rapidly throughout your home.
So what should you do during those first 48 hours?
Focus on removing water from your home as soon as possible. Then begin the drying process. Mould can’t grow if your home isn’t moist.
If you see mould or notice the smell of mould, it’s too late. You should take action before mould becomes visible.
Time is of the essence during those first few days. Expect a professional flood cleanup company to know this and act fast.
How To Dry Out Your Home After Flooding
You can’t just leave the windows open and hope for the best. Getting your home dried out properly requires effort.
Follow these steps to dry your home:
Your main goal is to dry your home out as quickly as possible. Open every window and door to create airflow throughout your home. Then, use professional grade fans and dehumidifiers to pull water out of the air. Industrial units work faster and more efficiently than their residential counterparts.
Don’t forget about hidden moisture. Water loves to soak into walls, flooring and furniture. It can even hide inside closets and cabinets. Purchase a moisture meter to help spot problem areas early.
As a general rule of thumb, keep indoor humidity levels below 40%. This creates an inhospitable environment for mould to grow.
A mistake that homeowners often make? Believing that wiping down surfaces is enough. Drying out the “absorption area” is key. Surface level drying won’t prevent deep saturation.
Throw Away Anything You Can’t Save
Yes, it has to be said. Some of your furniture and belongings will have to go.
If flood waters have sat for more than 48 hours, accept the fact that certain items will need to be trashed. Carpet, carpet padding, drywall, insulation and furniture fall into this category. Few, if any materials can be restored after being soaked for days.
Quickly removing these materials from your home is vital. They’ll promote mould growth if left behind, even if the rest of your house is dry.
Not only that, but mould can cause some serious health issues. According to recent data, mould is responsible for approximately 4.6 million asthma cases every year. Nobody should have to worry about their children or loved ones having increased asthma risks because of mould.
If you’re unsure about whether you should keep something, throw it out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t waste time trying to scrub mould off of surfaces. Bleach kills mould on non-porous surfaces like tile, but encourages regrowth on porous materials. Just throw it out and call a professional if needed.
When To Bring in Professional Flood Cleanup Companies
Believe it or not, some water damage can be remediated without professional help. But if your water damage is the result of flooding, contacting a professional flood cleanup company should be the first step.
Here are a few guidelines to determine if a professional is needed:
- Water damage has been standing for over a day
- Water has reached multiple rooms of the home
- The water source is contaminated (grey water or sewage)
- Mould growth is already visible or can be smelled
- The home has suffered structural damage
Professional flood cleanup companies have specialized equipment that can dry a home far quicker. They also have experience detecting hidden pockets of water. Don’t wait too long to get help. The damage will only continue to get worse.
Bringing It All Together
To recap, here are all of the steps you should take to prevent mould growth after water exposure:
- Act fast and take care of water damage within 48 hours
- Remove all standing water as soon as possible
- Dry out your home with proper equipment
- Remove carpet, padding and anything else that can’t be saved
- Bring in professional help if the water damage is serious
Water damage is bad enough. But you really don’t want to have to deal with mould growth as well.
As mentioned above, don’t wait. Time is of the essence when mould is concerned. Act quickly and dry out your home before mould has a chance to settle in.
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