If a storm or flood has damaged your property, you have approximately 24 to 48 hours to avoid mould and mildew. The mould can be exceedingly dangerous to your and your family’s health. You must begin drying out your water damage as soon as possible, or you may be left with repairs to your house that are even more time demanding than they already are.
Not to mention, mould can cause health problems such as fever and difficulty breathing. Those with pre-existing health conditions, such as Asthma, are especially vulnerable to these disorders and should avoid being near mould.
After the mould has been removed and your restoration specialist has approved repairs, you can start restoring your house and life.
Remember that drying out water damage is not always simple, and what appears dry is often not. Because most moisture is hidden in the walls and flooring, it is vital to locate and dry all affected areas to prevent mould growth!
Checking for Mould After Water Damage
When recognising mould in your house after water damage, it’s critical to recognise that mould can be any colour and know the symptoms. Mould typically manifests itself as little black or white patches. On the other hand, mould can develop in hidden places, such as under ceiling tiles or behind wall coverings. A musty odour frequently accompanies mould, so you can usually smell it even if you can’t see it. Mould thrives in humid environments or where there is a lot of moisture. Mould should be looked for in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
Can You Dry Your Water Damage?
While you may believe that you can dry out your water-damaged regions using fans and wet-dry vacuums, we’ve discovered that most homeowners only partially dry out the water-damaged areas. They need more equipment to discover concealed pockets of mould-growing wet regions.
Hiring a specialist like Reztor Restoration to dry up your water-damaged areas is your best bet. These businesses have specialised equipment for drying out moist areas, and they frequently prevent and deal with mould.
The expense of professionally drying your water-damaged spaces is almost always covered by insurance, so hiring a restoration firm like Reztor Restoration to dry out your water-damaged areas will not cost you anything more.
Does Water Damage Always cause mould?
Mould will begin to grow if the house is partially dry within 24 hours. It doesn’t matter if summer or winter; mould will grow. Unless your water damage is relatively minor, mould will almost certainly grow in some form.
Can You Kill Yourself With The Mould?
While some property owners will attempt to dry the area or spray bleach, the truth is that these procedures frequently spread mould to other sections of the residence. Worse, air conditioning and heating systems can disperse spores throughout the home.
Avoid attempting to remove the mould on your own. We recognise that you may Google “How to Kill Mould” and find hundreds of solutions. However, those methods are often for surface area mould, NOT water-damaged area mould.
Is it possible for mould to dry up and die?
No. Even in the absence of moisture, mould will remain dormant within the walls, floors, and other locations where it has begun to grow. It will begin to grow anew as soon as it has access to moisture. Mould will not go unless it is deliberately removed.
How Do You Prevent Mould from Developing Due to Water Damage?
One important step to prevent mould from forming before aid arrives is to assess and mitigate the damage as soon as possible. Mitigating the loss is a term used in most insurance plans that says you must do everything possible to limit the damage.
Steps to Prevent Mould and Additional Water Damage
When dealing with water damage and a potential mould problem, there are a few do’s and don’ts to follow while you wait for help to arrive.
- Turn off the water in your home, especially if the water damage is coming from within.
- Make sure all air conditioning and heating systems are turned off. If feasible, keep your home at a reasonable temperature and avoid using the central HVAC system. Excessive coldness or heat can make the drying process more difficult.
- Turn off any fans in the house, including ceiling fans, box fans, and free-standing fans. Using fans to dry up water can frequently spread mould spores throughout the property.
- Gather any personal belongings on the floor that may have contributed to your loss.
- Keep furniture out of the water by moving it away from the wet area, lifting it, and placing something under the legs, such as a wood block.
Leave everything alone and wait until someone has inspected the damage before throwing away ruined possessions. Professional cleaners may often preserve items that might otherwise be unsalvageable. Take photos to document the damage. It will be useful when filing an insurance claim.
How to Prevent Mould After a Flood
Like any other water damage, keeping your property clean and dry is the best strategy to prevent mould after a flood. Clean up any water damage as soon as possible, use a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture, and then repeat the preceding steps. The sooner you dry your home after a flood, and the less probable mould will grow.
How to Avoid Mould After a Water Leak
When you find a leak, the first thing you should do is turn off the water supply. Contact your utility company to shut off the water supply. After you have shut off the water, you should inspect your pipes for leaks by placing a bucket underneath each faucet and running cold water through them. It will help you determine whether there is any leaking around the pipe.
Next, rapidly dry any water-damaged surfaces in your home to avoid mould growth following a water leak.
Can mould grow after a leak has been repaired?
Yes, if no action is taken, mould will most certainly grow after a spill. The best strategy to prevent mould formation is to halt leaks as soon as possible. If you find any water leaks, they must be stopped immediately and thoroughly dried off.
How to Obtain Professional Assistance to Prevent Mould Growth
As a homeowner who wants to get back to regular life as soon as possible, the simplest method is to call us at 1800 739 867 and contact Reztor Restoration now. Whether you call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, we will answer your phone call.
Our IICRC-certified professional will bring in specialised equipment, ensure that your area is completely cleaned and dried, and even assist you in repairing damages, such as replacing drywall and minor or major structural repairs.
Get help as soon as a crisis strikes to avoid mould and extra damage!
