Homes in flood zones are hit at least once a year. It would seem, these homeowners get used to their properties being flooded but this could not be further from the truth. Flooding is devastating, not only for impacted homeowners but also for the entire community. Flood waters bring dangerous bacteria and viruses, as well as waste from nearby towns, municipalities, and cities.
When most people think of flood waters, mold rarely comes to mind which is a major oversight. Mold is a type of fungi that starts with a 1- to 40-micron spore, growing into a dangerous mess in a few days or weeks.
Mold Removal CT
Organic Materials And Mold Growth
Since mold is a living, breathing thing, it needs essentials to survive. Moisture and organic matter are just two essentials of mold growth. Mold spores can naturally be found in the environment, growing in soil and decaying matter like leaf piles.
While mold naturally grows outdoors without being too much of a risk, indoor mold poses serious health risks for humans and animals. When the spores go airborne, they can be inhaled into the respiratory tract. The tiny spores enter the upper respiratory tract through the nose or mouth. They will eventually make their way to the lower respiratory tract into the lungs. The immune system detects mold spores as foreign substances, activating the T cells. The immune response should eradicate all the spores which is rarely the case when it involves long-term exposure.
Mold-Prone Materials
Within 24 to 48 hours following a flood, mold starts to grow on organic and porous materials. Carpet, drywall, roll insulation, drapes, upholstery, OSB, particle board, paper, clothing, stuffed animals, wallpaper, hardwood flooring, and perlite ceiling tiles are prone to mold growth.
Metal and glass are resistant to mold damage. However, this does not stop mold from growing on these materials. Mold will eat the paint off metal pipes and other structures. Mold can result in rust and tarnish on untreated measures.
Flooding Mold Prevention
Mold is a by-product of flooding. Fortunately, it can be prevented with a quick, effective prevention strategy.
Pump Out Standing Water – The key to prohibiting mold from growing inside a home following a flood is water removal. A sump pump can be installed in basements, crawlspaces, or other low-lying areas to pump out water. It can take up to 48 hours of running a sump pump nonstop to remove all standing water inside the home.
Install Dehumidifiers And Fans – When all the water is pumped out of the home, humidity may still be problematic. Dehumidifiers and fans are essential for decreasing the humidity levels in recently flooded houses, apartments, condominiums, and townhomes.
Remove Damaged Items – Damaged items like drywall, flooring, carpet, furniture, paneling, tile, drapes, insulation, floor mats, and linoleum should be removed once the standing water is gone. It is not recommended to keep any of these items unless they can be thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution.
Cleanup – Flood waters can contain dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, parasites, and viruses. Cleaning up after a flood comes with many risks. To avoid exposure to these dangerous contaminants, the medical community recommends Personal Protective Equipment “PPE.” Safety goggles, filtered masks, rubber gloves, shoe covers, rubber boots, and a suit should be worn by everyone involved in the cleanup.
Our Flood Damage Restoration Service
Mold Removal CT is a locally owned and operated company. Services include restoration related to flooding, house
fires, plumbing leaks, hurricanes, tornadoes, leaky roofs, and leaky foundations.
Our
mold remediation team has helped hundreds of local families save their homes from mold growth after a flood.
