Preventing Mold After Water Or Fire Damage: Tips And Techniques
After a flood or fire, mold is the biggest concern. Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that can spread quickly if there’s any water left over from fire damage. This guide will help you prevent mold growth from water or fire damage.
Why Mold Growth After Flood Or Fire
Due to flooding or fire damage, your home could be vulnerable to mold. Mold has one purpose in life: to destroy organic matter. It needs moderate temperatures, low light levels, and humidity. It also needs moisture. It is easy to identify the moisture source of a flood or water leak. When you think about moisture, you probably think of water that has been used to fight fires. There are many other sources of moisture as well.
They can also produce moisture vapor, despite being heated. This is common in kitchen fires, and liquids around the fire. This can also be a source for fire extinguishers. Both chemical and wet foam contain water. Because mold spores are everywhere, they can settle on damp materials. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours, depending on the environment.
It’s important to disinfect and dry the area Many people believe drying wet areas will stop mold growth. Although drying affected areas will reduce mold growth it won’t kill it. In porous materials like carpeting and wallpaper, mold can stay dormant for years. Mold doesn’t require much water to grow so even a small leak can bring it back to life. A small leak in your wall or under your carpet can bring it back to life. It can go unnoticed for many months or even years, depending on the conditions.
How To Cleanup Water And Fire Damage To Prevent Mold Growth
To prevent mold growth from fire, water damaged and other causes, it is essential to dry the area thoroughly and quickly. High-volume fans and structural drying dehumidifiers are best for best results. The next step is to disinfect the area with a chemical biocide. While bleach is an effective disinfectant, it can stain surfaces. Use 1 to 1/4 cup bleach per gallon. To prevent bleach stains, a color-safe, hospital grade biocide may be used. These products are readily available at most janitorial supply companies and can kill mold and other contaminants. Make sure to read the label before you use a product.
Mold Removal Companies Are Able To Prevent Water And Fire Damage
You can dry and disinfect your home after a flood or fire. There are two risks when you do the work yourself. Are you able to finish the job in the time and budget required? Are you missing something? Restoration companies are trained in the proper cleaning techniques. Many continue their education. They have the right equipment and are able to spot moisture and mold.
They will take these steps regardless of the reason to prevent mold
- Assessment and Estimate – A restoration technician will conduct a thorough assessment of your damage. A free estimate will be provided by them. After you approve the estimate, they will begin work immediately.
- They can remove sewage or water from areas – In most cases, they will use a submersible or suction pump. They might also use other methods depending on the circumstances.
- Get rid of damaged materials – Next, get rid of any damaged materials. They can also take away personal items, such as carpeting and drywall, that cannot be saved.
- Dry the area- Then, they dry it with dehumidifiers or high-volume fans. Fans and dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air while fans evaporate it.
- They disinfect the area after drying to kill mold growth – They can also remove odors from stagnant water, sewage and fires.
- Rebuild your home – They will finally rebuild your home. It all depends on the extent of damage and may include new flooring or drywall.
We can quickly remove mold from fire and water damage. Call us to schedule a free inspection of mold remediation services.
