Preventing Mold in Your Home After Flood Damage

Floods aren't always the result of hurricanes or torrential rains. Interior flooding can happen from a hot water heater leak, pipe break, or broken washing machine hoses. Leaky roofs or poorly draining gutters can cause water to back up under the eaves and run down the inside of the walls of your home.

Quick cleanup following a flood is the most important step you can take to prevent long term mold issues. First, clean hard surfaces with detergent and water then dry thoroughly. It is recommended to replace any absorbent building materials such as carpeting and ceiling tiles as it may be very difficult to thoroughly dry them.

You may also need to replace wallboards. The EPA recommends thoroughly cleaning and drying water damaged areas in your home within 24-48 hours. According to the EPA website, “Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood”. 

It is important to remember that restoring the air quality of your home is just as important as restoring the appearance of your home. Mold can be a hidden issue as it can grow on nearly any surface including wood, paper and carpet. Use a dehumidifier and good ventilation to lower the humidity in your home. Mold loves moisture, so reducing indoor humidity is an important step in preventing mold growth. A relative humidity between 30-60% is recommended to inhibit growth.

For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/moldresources.html