After a flood or fire, mold is probably the last concern on your list. Unfortunately, mold is a risk after any type of water or fire damage. It’s a naturally occurring fungus that can move in if even a small area of your home remains wet after damage. From drying to disinfecting, we cover ways of preventing mold after water or fire damage.
Why Mold Grows After A Flood or Fire
Damage from a flood or a fire may leave your home vulnerable to mold. In nature, mold’s only purpose is to break down organic matter. It needs moderate temperatures, the right amount of humidity and lower light levels.
Most importantly it needs moisture. In the case of a flood or water leak, the moisture source is obvious. With fires, you probably think of water from firefighting efforts. This is a major source of moisture, but there are others as well.
Despite the heat, they can create moisture vapor. This is common in kitchen fires or any time liquids are near the fire. Fire extinguishers are a source as well. Wet foam and wet chemical extinguishers both contain water.
Since mold spores are all around us, they will settle on wet materials. Depending on the conditions, mold can appear in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
You Need To Disinfect As Well As Dry The Area
Many incorrectly assume that drying wet areas is enough to prevent mold. Although drying the area will stop the mold growth, it won’t kill it. In fact, mold can stay dormant in porous materials like drywall and carpeting for years.
It doesn’t take much water for mold to thrive, so even a small leak will revive it. A leak in your wall or under your carpet will bring it back to life. Depending on the conditions, it could go undetected for months or even years.
How To Clean Up Water Or Fire Damage To Prevent Mold
The most effective way to prevent mold after water or fire damage is by thoroughly drying and disinfecting the area as quickly as possible. Use high-volume fans and structural drying dehumidifiers for the best results.
Then disinfect the area with a chemical biocide. Bleach is an effective disinfectant, but it can stain many surfaces. When using bleach, mix 1 and ¼ cups per gallon of water.
To prevent bleach stains, consider a color-safe hospital grade biocide. Available at most janitorial supply companies, they are designed to kill mold and other contaminants without staining. Always read the label on the product before using it.
How Restoration Companies Prevent Mold After Fire Or Water Damage
You can dry and disinfect your home after a flood or fire. However, there are two risks with doing the work yourself. First, can you get the work done before mold starts to grow? Second, will you overlook something?
Restoration companies are trained in the proper cleanup methods. Most take continuing education classes as well. Not only do they have the right equipment and disinfectants, but they know where to look for mold and moisture.
Regardless of the cause, they will follow these basic steps to prevent mold.
- Assessment And Estimate – Your restoration technician will start with a complete assessment of the damage and a risk-free estimate. If you’re happy with the estimate, they will be ready to being work immediately.
- Clean Up Water or Soot – They will start by removing water or sewage from the area. In most cases, they will use a submersible or suction pump, but they may use other methods depending on the situation.
- Remove Damaged Items – Next, they will remove and dispose of damaged materials. This will include structural items that cannot be saved like drywall or carpeting as well as personal items.
- Dry The Area – Then they will dry the area using high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. The fans help moisture evaporate out of the structure of your home while dehumidifiers remove it from the air.
- Disinfect and Deodorize – Once dry, they will disinfect the area to prevent or kill mold, as well as bacteria and parasites. Plus, they will deodorize to remove odors from stagnant water, sewage, or fires.
- Rebuild Your Home – Finally, they will rebuild your home. The process depends on the extent of the damage and usually includes installing new flooring, drywall, or cabinets.
If you have mold after water damage or a fire, let Restoration Local clean up and repair the damage quickly. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate on mold removal services.
