There is a serious health risk associated with mold growth that results from flood water damage.
To prevent mold, you need to control moisture. Mold spores constantly float through the air, enabling them to grow on virtually any surface when moisture, oxygen, and organic sources are present. In the event that you sustain water damage, it is important to act quickly to prevent mold from impacting indoor air quality. You can reduce the chances of ever getting mold by finding and eliminating sources of moisture. These tips can assist you in preventing mold growth.
After a flood, how long does it take for mold to grow?
Mold growth begins within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure because microorganisms that turn into mold colonies are always in the air around us. The CDC says mold tends to grow on wood, paper products, ceiling tiles, cardboard and ceiling tiles, as well as dust, insulation, drywall, wallpaper, paints, carpet, fabric and upholstery as long as the moisture level is high.
Is there a way to prevent mold after flooding?
As soon as possible, dry the affected area in order to prevent mold from growing. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open up your building if it’s less humid outside. (Generally, you should open your building during the day and close it at night.)
- Make sure that all debris and wet items are removed. Get rid of any porous or absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles, papers, and wet insulation) that are soaked.
- Clean surfaces with disinfectants or sanitizers. Use soapy water to scrub hard surfaces such as tile, stone, and wood. Thoroughly dry surfaces after they have been cleaned and disinfected.
- A wet/dry vacuum or carpet extractor can remove water from saturated carpeting if you cannot remove it right away.
- Fans can spread mold if mold has already started to grow in the space. If mold hasn’t started to grow, circulate air into the space and speed evaporation.
- A dehumidifier can help things dry faster. A home or office dehumidifier can suffice in small spaces or moisture-saturated areas, whereas an industrial/commercial dehumidifier or restoration dehumidifier may be needed in larger spaces or moisture-saturated areas.
Is it necessary to run a dehumidifier after a flood for a certain period of time?
Run a dehumidifier until porous surfaces have completely dried out. A flood-damaged building can take anywhere from two days to several weeks to dry completely. If plaster and insulation take a long time to dry, it may be best to replace them entirely. Mold can continue to damage the building until everything is dry.
What are the signs that mold needs to be remedied by a professional?
There are several factors that determine whether a professional will be required for mold remediation. According to the EPA, if the area is less than 10 square feet (less than a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), you can handle it yourself. In the case of significant water damage or mold growth that exceeds 10 square feet, see the EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. It’s best to consult an experienced mold remediation company if you’re unsure about the scope of your project.
How can you tell if you have a mold problem?
It is a general rule of thumb: mold will continue to grow. Dirt and old stains will not. If you notice a spot on your wall, here are the signs that you might have mold:
- Musty smell
- Warping, cracking, or peeling of the material it’s growing on
- If you drop a drop of bleach on it, it will lighten in 1-2 minutes
- There is a nearby source of moisture that does not receive much light
- You may have missed several mold hotspots, such as drain trays, beyond the obvious locations where mold is visible.
If you suspect you have mold, don’t wait. Call a certified mold remediation professional right away.