Dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be stressful, but without acting fast, major problems can develop quickly. Extensive water damage can cause mold to grow, threatening your equipment, furniture and even the entire structure of your building. Exposure to certain types of mold can pose serious health risks, too.
The experts at ServiceMaster Restore want to make sure you're informed about the best mold prevention strategies to keep your commercial property, employees and customers protected. Continue reading to learn about four steps you can take to limit the growth of mold after water damage.
ITEMS SUSCEPTIBLE TO MOLD GROWTH
Mold can start to grow after only a day or two, making it crucial that preventative steps are taken as quickly as possible. Many materials in your facility may be prone to developing mold after flooding has occurred, including:
- Upholstered furniture and wood: Porous materials can easily trap mold, so consider discarding these items. Any items that were completely submerged in water should be completely replaced, too.
- Plastic, metal and glass: Most nonporous materials can be salvaged with the proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques.
- Carpets, drapery and rugs: Simply drying out materials like carpets, drapery and rugs may not be enough to prevent mold after water damage. Items like these should be discarded and replaced.
STEPS TO PREVENTING MOLD AFTER A FLOOD
While there may not be a way for you to eliminate all of the mold spores within your building, there are several ways you can help limit the growth of mold after a flood. Take the following four steps to reduce your risk of mold growth after a flood:
1. REMOVE WATER AND COMPLETELY DRY OUT ALL AREAS
Since mold spores grow and disperse quickly, the sooner you can remove water and dry out your facility, the better. Use a wet-dry shop vacuum to remove excess water and clean materials like exposed wood framing and studs. If the air outside isn't very humid, keep all doors and windows open to allow fresh air in.
2. REMOVE MOLD-INFESTED ITEMS FROM YOUR BUILDING
Any materials that have been completely submerged in water should be thrown out. Some porous materials like books and papers, upholstered furniture and drapery may be salvageable. If a material has been wet for less than 48 hours, you may be able to clean and disinfect the item to prevent mold from growing. However, if mold does begin to grow, discard the material immediately.
Mold can begin to grow on drywall, inside wall cavities and within insulation, too. Remove all wet insulation and contaminated porous materials like drywall and ceiling tiles.
3. LIMIT MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY
If electricity is safe to use, help reduce moisture by turning on dehumidifiers and fans. However, if mold is already present, don't use fans, as they can allow mold spores to travel throughout the environment.
4. CONTACT A RESTORATION COMPANY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
One of the most effective ways to prevent mold after a flood is to contact an experienced restoration company as soon as possible. A team of mold prevention specialists will know how to properly address any mold problems that are present, providing you with peace of mind that your facility is safe to continue working in.
The professionals at ServiceMaster Restore want you to be prepared to deal with the aftermath of flood damage before the need arises. Learn more about the differences between mold and mildew and the dangers each can present to your business. Then, find out what you should do after a flood to minimize damages.
Finally, if you need reliable mold detection and removal services, call the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore. With over 65 years of experience in comprehensive water damage restoration services, our team has the expertise, innovative technology and protocols to get your business back to normal fast. Contact us today to learn more about our 24/7 availability and restoration services.