Important Tips to Prevent Mold Growth After Flood Damage

As the weather pattern changes and storms become intense and prevalent, the threat of water damage and consequent mold growth increases as well. Mold growth is a serious problem as it can pose hazardous health risks.

Mold Growth Conditions

Water in a building or a home is a disconcerting thought, and for a legitimate reason, unaddressed moisture can cause mold growth. Mold desire 4 things to grow:

• Moisture
• Food (typically sugar or starch)
• Temperature between 41°F to 104°F
• Oxygen

The requirements of oxygen and temperature are almost always met in the indoor environment of a home. Food sources can be easily found in the particles of water and paper backing of the drywall. If your home has suffered flood damage, here are some constructive steps for preventing mold:

Survey the Place

When a building or a home is flooded from a rainstorm or a hurricane or any other catastrophe, surveying and documenting the damage is crucial, especially for tax and insurance affairs. Additionally, inspecting the place helps people to identify the severity of the problem and how much time they have to start with the mold remediation process.

Get the Water Out

The sooner you remove water from your home, the better. If it remains stagnant in your dwelling for long, it will contribute to mold growth and development. Ensure to extract water with a vacuum or a pump from every corner of your home where it can be pooling like basements, slabs, heating systems, crawls spaces, and other dingy places. If you are planning to do this without professional help, ensure to read caution and wear protective gear to avoid any potential risk.

Dry the Place Immediately

As soon as you remove water from your home, you must dry the contained places as early as possible. Mold spores would be everywhere, and they spread very quickly. Though it is practically impossible to remove all the potential contaminants and spores, by removing moisture that is essential for mold growth, you can deny it the opportunity to grow freely till you get proper flood damage restoration process started. You can remove excess moisture using hot air sources, fans, dehumidifiers, and other tools.

Keep It Dry

After getting the water out and thoroughly drying the affected places, ensure to keep your home dry and moisture-free for eliminating any chance of mold growth in the future. Floods can take a heavy toll on homes for several days after it has infiltrated the place. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure appropriate care and attention to keep everything dry and free of moisture for as long as possible.

Take a Look Outside

Regularly check the exterior of buildings and homes for accumulating groundwater. When the ground is waterlogged, mold begins to grow outside, and it can find its way inside as well. If you see water accumulating near the foundation of your home, take quick measures to drain it away from the building.

Remove Affected Items

If any of your household items are wet and can’t be completely cleaned or dried, remove them from your home and replace them with new ones that are more mold resistant. Fiberglass isn’t suitable for mold as it doesn’t provide the food necessary for its growth. You can find other things at local stores for your home that are mold resistant.

Conclusion

Floods, though a natural occurrence, it can be a troublesome business. Not only it affects your home and belongings, but it can also disrupt your routine life. Therefore, it is a critical matter and should be taken seriously. Flood damage restoration services in Singapore is up and ready to help you out if you are having a hard time getting hold of the problem.

Sarah K, a professional writer who share interests in different creative niches. Her ideas and tips towards such niches have contributed to the online community.