Mold is one of the more insidious things to develop after a flood. Not only is it unsightly, but it also poses health hazards that can lead to long-term issues. Mold spores are everywhere, just waiting for the right conditions to grow. After a flood, warm and humid environments are pretty much guaranteed, so there’s usually no shortage of them.
After a flood, mold takes about 24-48 hours to grow on wet surfaces. Its initial growth period also depends on what kind of mold it is and whether the environment is optimal. Do not attempt to dry out any items on your own, as this increases your chances of developing an illness such as severe respiratory problems or the black plague. Instead, get professional help from Portland’s water mitigation services from Robinson Restoration; they will give you a free inspection, mitigate your home, and restore it from electrical and structural damage. Read on to learn how to prevent mold after a flood, when to call a mold professional, and what causes mold growth.
How to Prevent Mold Growth After a Flood
Mold growth after a flood can be prevented by taking some simple steps:
- Ensure you have clean, dry clothes. If your clothes are wet, they will begin to grow mold. To prevent this from happening, wash any clothing as soon as possible. If you need to store your wet clothing to prevent mold growth, move them into a plastic bag or container that is sealed up tight and kept in a dry place.
- You should discard furniture that was extremely submerged in water.
- Clean out all the water from the house before moving back. It will help prevent mold growth because there won’t be any dampness left behind from the flood itself.
- Use a dehumidifier or regular air conditioner during the summer when it’s hot outside. These machines work by pulling moisture out of the air where it’s needed most–not where it’s not needed
- If you notice any leaks in your home’s foundation or pipes, you should also ensure they are repaired before mold can grow there and cause damage to your property.
- Keep your home dry by covering any exposed surfaces with plastic sheeting until they can be cleaned up and replaced with new materials. You should also check for any leaks around windows and doors and seal them if needed.
What Affects the Growth of Mold?
The growth of mold depends on several factors, including temperature, humidity, and air quality.
The temperature a mold requires to thrive can vary depending on the type of mold. Molds thrive on temperatures of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Many molds prefer warm, damp areas.
Mold is also affected by humidity levels in the air. If you live in a dry climate, your home will likely have low humidity levels; however, if you live in a humid area, your home will likely have high humidity levels. If you live in a high-humidity area and have mold issues, you may need to increase the ventilation in your home by opening windows and doors or installing fans or other ventilation equipment.
Air quality also affects mold growth because it can affect how much oxygen is available for molds to breathe. When there isn’t enough oxygen available for molds to survive and grow on surfaces like carpets or furniture surfaces (or even walls), they tend to die off before they can cause any damage.
When Is It Advisable to Call a Mold Professional?
Mold is a common problem, and it can affect your health. But if you’re concerned about the presence of mold in your home, don’t panic! You can do some things to ensure it doesn’t get out of hand.
You may want to call one if:
- The substance is affecting your health or causing damage to your home.
- You’ve noticed mold on the walls and ceiling of your home.
- You smell something strange in your home that seems similar to what you would smell in a place where there was a leak or water damage from flood damage or other causes of water damage.
It is a good idea to have a professional inspection done on your home, even months after the flood, to ensure all potential problems have been taken care of. Mold can appear and spread in many places outside the flooded areas, such as in drywall, insulation or behind drywall joints, electrical boxes, or inside wall cavities.