Mold is notorious for growing in damp and warm places; this means if you have a backed-up drain or leaky pipe, these are the perfect environments for spores to develop. Understanding what creates the optimal condition for mold to grow is your first step to preventing it and keeping it from impacting your home and quality of life.
Knowing how to handle water damage is crucial to reducing the risk of mold growth, so here are a few steps you can take to prevent mold if you’ve recently endured water damage.
Remove All Water from the Space
After a burst pipe or flood, your priority is to remove any excess moisture. This will help you assess the damage, and you can begin to dry out surfaces and objects in the space. Removal can be completed using wet-dry vacuums or submersible pumps, and both are typically available for rent at local hardware stores.
Take Out Damp Flooring or Carpets
If the water has damaged your flooring, this is the next step. Flooring with grooves creates an optimal space because moisture can become trapped between the tracks. Carpeting is another high-risk area because the fibers provide a damp and warm space, so remove any flooring materials you are unsure about.
Dry Furniture and Wet Floors
Before assessing any damage to objects or surfaces, it's recommended to ensure any wet furniture and floors are completely dry. Laying down towels can absorb a large majority of the water; once this is completed, you can better assess what damage has occurred.
Use a Dehumidifier
Mold spores need moisture to reproduce, and they thrive in wet and warm environments. Reducing the humidity levels as much as possible is one of the best strategies, which can be achieved using a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier will draw the moist and warm air and bring in colder and drier air, creating a space that is not as habitable for the mold.
Disinfect Floors, Baseboards, Walls, and Any Other Surfaces
You will also need to completely dry and disinfect any areas that have come in contact with the water. Both of these steps will remove ideal conditions for mold growth and eliminate bacteria that can foster growth.
Replace Items With Damage
In some situations, you may be able to repair items damaged by the water, but there are many circumstances when it's a better option to replace them. If the structure or item has been altered from the damage, you are finding a yellow or brownish hue, notice a dank or musty smell, or if the texture is sagging, these are all indicators to replace the items before mold develops.
Kiser Construction: Your Water Damage Restoration Experts
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to develop mold, especially if there's water damage. It thrives in wet environments, so if you've recently experienced a flood, storm, or leak, you need to reach out to the professionals at Kiser Construction for emergency restoration services. Our team has provided exceptional services, including storm damage repair in Minnesota, since 2003, and we are a trusted name.
Dealing with water damage in your home? We have you covered with expert restoration services; message us online or call us at 763-633-2010 today.