“Flood damage usually leaves moisture or water behind, both of which can provide a perfect incubation environment for mould spores to grow.”
Mold spores can be found all over the environment. They will, however, only develop in areas with a lot of water and organic debris. If your home is flooded and not fully dried out, mold can grow especially in carpets, walls, and floors. Mold spores can form in these places in 24-48 hours and spread in a matter of days if they remain damp.
How To Detect Mold Growth?
You must be able to look around the home in shady or damp areas and look for areas that can be mold. Mold is most likely seen as little black spots that grow larger. If you notice spots in areas that are often damp or dark, this might be mold.
Mildew is a type of surface mold that isn’t too damaging to your home’s structure. Other varieties of mold, on the other hand, will cause your home to decay from the inside out. You can probe an area that you assume to be affected with a screwdriver or a pointed tool. If you feel the wood crumble, then rot has initiated.
If you notice mold growing near your water lines, pipes, or a plumbing fixture, it is most likely feeding on a nearby leak. You can let the water drain as you look around the negatively affected areas for damp spots.
After the mold has been removed, consider drying out your home and removing humidity as soon as possible.
If you chose to start the drying process yourself, remember to wear safety gear. Determine what can be recovered and remove anything that is too damaged or unsafe to use.
When there is a lot of standing water, try removing it with bottles or plastic tubs. Then use a mop to soak up extra water in hard-to-reach areas. Grab a wet-dry vacuum from a nearby hardware store to complete the job once most of the water is gone and let the area dehumidify and dry completely. This procedure can be accelerated by using a dehumidifier. If there isn’t much standing water, you can use the wet-dry vacuum right away.
Even after you’ve removed all standing water from your home, you’ll still have to deal with damp belongings, especially if you live in a humid environment.