Water damage in your home or business can become a long-term problem, after the water has dried out. The next steps are water damage repair and preventing mold. If you do not use preventative measures as soon as the water is cleared, you may have to deal with mold in your home or business.
Mold grows overtime where it is damp and moist. This is often after water damage has occurred specifically after flooding, water leaks, leaks in roofs, or water coming through the foundation. Mold growth can start to happen within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. If the water is allowed to linger in your home, the chances of mold growth increases.
What can be done to prevent mold growth?
1. Remove any water. Water vacuums are used to draw water out of the area and protect from further damage. You may need to call a water damage repair specialist to help ensure all the water is removed and also to identify any areas that need immediate repair.
2. Remove damaged items. Rugs and carpets are often damaged during floods. If possible, remove the carpet or rug and dry completely in the sunlight (if possible) to minimize mold infestation. If you do not remove the rug or carpet after water damage, mold can grow underneath and begin to spread throughout the home.
3. Dry wet surfaces. Once you remove the carpet and rugs, dry all the wet surfaces to remove any remaining moisture. Industrial fans are often needed to make sure that the room is completely dried out. You can often rent industrial fans at a local hardware store.
4. Sanitize all surfaces. Using cleaning solutions that eliminate bacteria and mold can help to prevent mold from growing. However, if mold has already begun to grow, you will likely disturb the mold making it airborne. This can cause the mold to spread and also create health problems in the home. We recommend using a professional restoration company to remove water damage and to clean and prevent mold.
Call ServiceMaster Restore of Flathead County for water damage repair and mold removal. Our team of experts are ready to help you with the safest professional techniques to prevent further damage to your home or business.
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