Preventing Mold After Flooding

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Storm cleanup in Santa Ana, CA

Take Preventative Measures

Water damage to your property and mold infestation often go hand in hand. If your Santa Ana, CA  home has sustained significant flood damage, restoring your property promptly should be a priority. Moisture has likely entered porous materials in hour house, such as wood or drywall, so mold growth is a virtual certainty unless you take preventative measures.

1. Relocate Valuables
Your sentimental or valuable belongings may be particularly vulnerable to storm damage. Move all art or electronics to a higher, drier place. Rugs and other loose possessions should be moved shortly thereafter in order to prevent the development of harmful molds.

2. Assess the Extent of Flood Damage
The severity of flooding events can vary widely. Sometimes, water seeps into or beneath visible surfaces, creating structural instability and mold-friendly conditions without your knowledge. After a severe storm, you should always perform a thorough examination of your home to avoid missing any hidden signs of water infiltration. If water has completely inundated your home, contact a water restoration professional who can provide special equipment and expertise to your cleanup effort.

3. Ventilation and Dehumidification
The best way to prevent mold growth in your home is to make sure that all spaces that have been exposed to moisture are properly dried and ventilated. Setting up a commercial dehumidifier can effectively accomplish this, however, using a moisture monitor is the only way to be sure that your space is acceptably rid of wetness. Remediation professionals have access to dehumidifying equipment and will be able to determine if your property has already been infested with mold. You may be advised to test your home periodically after a major flooding event.
When you restore your household after a storm, understand that time and effort spent now can save you many headaches in the future. Mold removal can be difficult and expensive, so preventing serious mold growth before it starts is critical.