Tips On How to Prevent Mold After Water Damage

If cleaning up water damage wasn’t bad enough, there’s always the possibility that it could turn into mold. It only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing, and it will only continue to spread exponentially throughout the home with every hour that passes.

Not only can this damage building materials and household contents, but it also poses a serious health risk to everyone living in there. People who have respiratory issues are especially susceptible to irritation and illness from mold spores in the air. However, there are some molds that are dangerous to everyone.

How can homeowners prevent mold after water damage?

There are several things that homeowners can do to mitigate mold growth. United Property Restoration Services have more than 24 years of experience, so they know a thing or two about handling water damage the right way. Keep reading to learn more about a few tips that can help protect a home from mold after water damage occurs.

Stop Further Water Damage at the Source

If a home or building is affected by water damage, the very first thing that needs to be addressed is the source. In some cases, it may be easy to stop the water flow, but other times, it may be beyond the homeowner’s control. This is especially true when it is caused by a sewer back-up or heavy rains.

Water damage that is caused by leaking appliances, bathroom fixtures, or pipes is typically easier to stop. Homeowners can either use shut-off valves near the leak, or they can shut off all the home’s water through the main supply line until the source is identified. 

Extract Standing Water After a Flood

Since mold can grow so quickly in the presence of water, it is imperative that any standing water be extracted from a home as quickly as possible. Depending on how severe the water damage was, this step could be as simple as mopping up puddles. 

In more serious cases, homeowners may need heavy-duty tools, such as wet/dry vacuums and sump pumps. Homeowners should NEVER attempt to use their own vacuum, however. This can create an electric shock risk. 

Thoroughly Dry Excess Moisture

Even after standing water is removed, the process of extracting moisture isn’t over. It can remain in the air. It can also be soaked in building materials, so homeowners may need fans and dehumidifiers to complete this process. If the weather is nice enough outside, they may even be able to increase air circulation by opening the windows.

This part of the process can take several days or weeks if the water damage is extensive. However, it’s crucial that homeowners don’t skip this step, as remaining moisture can encourage mold growth.

Remove Any Mold Right Away

In some circumstances, homeowners may not be able to start the water damage restoration process immediately. If mold has time to grow, they will need to take special care to tackle these spots before they become worse. 

Minor amounts of mold may be treated with a spray of distilled white vinegar. Contrary to what many believe, this method is more effective than bleach when dealing with minor mold growth. This is because it can kill mold below the surface as well. If there is extensive mold damage in the home, it should be professionally removed.

Request Assistance from a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company

One of the best ways to prevent mold after water damage is to contact a professional about water damage restoration. They have the proper training and tools to effectively restore property while also mitigating the risk of mold growth. For example, they can use their truck-mounted pumps and commercial dehumidifiers to completely dry an affected area.

They also have special devices to measure the moisture levels in the air. This allows them to check the effectiveness of their process. If it indicates that there is water remaining, they will implement extra steps to ensure that no mold can grow after they are done.

Contact United Property Restoration Services for Help with Mold After Water Damage

Homeowners in the greater Boston area don’t have to look far to find a team of reliable water damage specialists for the job. United Property Restoration is available to help. For years, their professionals have been effectively restoring homes to prevent mold after water damage, so homeowners can trust that their home is in good hands with the experts. 

Customers should call (781) 476-7746 to request 24/7 emergency services, or they can submit an online form to request a free quote.