Floods are among the most devastating natural hazards that can occur to houses and buildings. Besides the immediate water damage, the fastest growing danger after a flood is the mold growth. Mold grows within 24–48 hours of the water’s presence and, if not treated immediately, will degrade structures and be dangerous for those who live there.
Here, we’ll be learning all about how to properly remove flood water-soaked mold: the dangers, how to remove it, and how to prevent it from spreading.
What is Mold, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Mold prefers moist environments. During flood, stagnant water and moist wood, drywall and carpet lend themselves perfectly to mold development and spread.
Mold spreads by floating, moving around and establishing itself on new objects.
Having mold on a building is not just a visual issue, it can be harmful as well.
The health problems associated with mold include respiratory diseases, allergies and people with impaired immune systems. The most typical mold symptoms are:
• Coughing and sneezing
• Headache and congestion in the nose
• Cold Sore throat
• Ridicule
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
In extreme cases, mold can lead to asthma or pneumonia.
Mold Removal
Mold removal refers to getting rid of the mold, as well as fixing the moisture that is the reason for mold growth. To work properly, remediation doesn’t merely mean washing the mold off the surface, it has to keep it from coming back.
Use these tips on how to get started with mold remediation after flooding:
Step 1: Check How Bad the Mold Is
Mold remediation starts with what level of mold it was. This includes a close examination of the contaminated sites. Mold is often hidden behind walls, under the floor, or in the ceiling, so it is important to find all of the locations where mold may exist. Moisture meters and infrared cameras can be used by professionals to detect the subsurface moisture that could lead to mold.
For very small rooms, you may be able to remove the mold yourself. But if it is larger (>10 sqft) or the mold has penetrated through the HVAC system, professional cleaning is necessary.
Step 2: Seal It Off
Once mold has been identified and the area is identified, it must be bended before it has an opportunity to spread to other buildings in the building.
Experts can put up physical barriers, such as sheets of plastic, to enclose the zone. Sometimes negative air pressure systems are used to keep the spores from leaving the jobsite during clean-up.
Keep the affected areas closed until all the mold has been removed.
Step 3: Toss the Moldy Stuff
This includes porous materials like drywall, carpet, insulation and bacteria-eroded ceiling tiles. Such goods can’t be stored because mold reaches too deep inside.
Other things are less porous or semi-porous — such as metal, glass or hard plastic — and cannot easily be washed or disinfected.
After cleaning, discard the contaminated waste in a sealed and sealed bag for disposal, so that mold spores don’t multiply.
Step 4: Dry It Out
Mold grows in wet conditions, so it’s a good idea to disinfect the place. The industrial fans, the dehumidifiers, the drying equipment will remove moisture from the air and the materials. Drying it as soon as you can, so the mold doesn't get too bad. Ideally the room should have less than 60% relative humidity.
The professionals will be keeping a close watch on the moisture content so that the area is completely dry before starting the process.
Step 5: Clean and Disinfect
After it has dried out, disinfect all rotten materials. You may clean non-porous materials with mold-safe cleaning detergent or water and soap. The clean areas need to be disinfected for any lingering mold spores. It can also be treated with commercial mold-killers, or professional cleaners can use antimicrobial sprays to ensure the area is thoroughly wiped.
Do not use bleach mold remediation for porous surfaces because bleach will not get every mold in your basement. And bleach kills if it’s in poorly ventilated rooms.
Step 6: HEPA Vacuum Time
Typically, mold remediation uses HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums to collect dust and spores. The HEPA vacuums are filter-sucked out to capture the fungi spores and prevent them from returning. That is needed to eliminate all of the affected areas and increase air quality.
Step 7: Stop the Moisture Source
If moisture isn’t removed and fixed, mold will come right back. After a flood, this might involve cleaning wall, floor and roof water damage or putting drains around the building’s foundations. Gutters, downspouts and landscaping should be checked to make sure water is moving out of the house.
Step 8: Replace Removed Materials
After drying, washing, and treating the affected areas, the final step involves resurfacing materials removed in remediation.
This could be replacing drywall, insulation, floors, or ceiling tiles. Use anti-mold materials as often as you can, in humid environments like basements and bathrooms.
Preventing Mold Growth Return In The Future
Only once removed can mold be prevented. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that mold never comes back:
• Keep the Humidity: Dehumidifiers lower the room humidity as much as 30%- 50%.
• Seal Cracks: Inspect your roof, walls, and plumbing on a regular basis and patch any cracks that show up.
• Air Conditioning: Aerate the bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to keep water from standing.
• Use Mold-Resistant Materials: When rebuilding, ensure mold-resistant drywall and paint is used, particularly where humidity is common.
• Moisture/Mold: Smell for musky odours, water leaks or other indications of moisture or mold.
The Benefits of Hiring The Professional
The majority of home owners who have severe mold following a flood would highly suggest a mold removal company. The pros of hiring an expert here:
• Technical Equipment: Technicians also possess industrial drying racks, masks, and other protective equipment for efficient and safe mold removal.
• Expertise: They are familiar with the proper containment, removal, cleaning and disposal practices for mold removal and removal (and not re-infection).
• Human Safety: Technicians are mask-wearers to prevent contamination by mold during clean-up.
• Testing: They can conduct air-quality tests before and after repair to assure that mold is removed fully.
• Claims: Most insurance companies cover the mold removal services after an insured event, like a flood.
When selecting a mold remediation company, you should:
• Get licences, certifications and insurance documents.
• Request references.
• Get multiple quotes to compare rates.
• An explicit written understanding of scope of work.
The best pros will be honest about the work they do and how much it will cost to fix it. Note: Very cheap prices can reflect poor quality of work or inexperience.
Homemade Mold Cleanup Guides
If you find small amounts of mold growth that doesn’t exceed 10 square feet, then you can try doing the mold yourself if you feel confident enough. There are a few simple things to do:
• Wear N95 respirator, gloves, and goggles.
• Seal and protect the area with plastic sheets.
• Dry the room with fans and dehumidifiers.
• Remove mold with soap and water.
• Wash all surfaces with 10:1 bleach solution.
• HEPA vacuum the place again and again.
• Properly discard soiled products.
• Diagnose and repair if water is present.
For moderate or heavy mold accumulation, however, DIY mold remediation won’t be an appropriate option. Such spores and mycotoxins can be deadly when left untreated. Everything but microscopic mold should be left to experts.
Health Effects of Indoor Molding Type
A large quantity of mold over time has toxic health effects. Here are a few symptoms and side effects:
• Short-term asthma attacks in those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
• Cough, puffed-up chest and poor breathing.
• Repeated cold, flu or respiratory infection.
• Dry throat, runny nose and congestion nose.
• Dryness and eye irritation.
• Uterine burns or stinging.
• Headaches.
Extreme exposures have been linked to respiratory issues in infants and compromised immune system in the debilitated.
Do I Have To Call In An Expert Or Do It Myself?
As a general rule:
• If the mold is less than 10 square feet, and you do it extra careful, you can do it yourself.
• Use a professional mold technician if you have moderate mold (10-100 sq ft).
• For excess mold of more than 100 sq ft, heavy HVAC, or if there is persistent mold, professional cleaning is much recommended.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to mold remediation, especially after a flood, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your property and health. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, spreading quickly and causing serious structural damage as well as posing health risks like respiratory problems, allergies, and infections. For Albuquerque residents, Emergency Restoration Pros is your trusted partner for thorough and effective mold removal. Our expert team uses advanced equipment and proven techniques to eliminate mold at its source and ensure it doesn’t return. Don’t wait until mold takes over your home—call Emergency Restoration Pros at 505-999-0419 today to schedule your mold remediation service and restore your property to a safe, healthy environment!
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