How To Mitigate Mold After a Flood

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Standing water in Round Rock, TX.

After a Flood, Here's How to Get Rid of Mold

Recovering from a flood at your home in Round Rock, TX, can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. If you do not act quickly after the storm, standing water can breed bacteria and encourage mold growth. Questions you may ask after a flood can include:

• How do you know if mold is growing?
• How quickly do you need to act?
• What steps do you take to mitigate the problem?

Mold spores are everywhere in the environment. Typically, the spores do not endanger you or your home at normal levels. However, these microscopic organisms can flourish under the right conditions. Mold needs moisture to grow and spread. After a flood, the standing water in your home is the perfect environment for mold to multiply. Dampness remaining in floors, walls and basements after the floodwater subsides can cause mold growth in as little as 48 hours. So, be on the lookout for an earthy, musty smell indicative of mold. The color of mold varies, including black, brown, white, green or orange.

How Is Mold Remediated?

Mold cannot be completely eradicated, as it exists in nature and is everywhere. It can be remediated in your home by taking the following steps:

• Act fast to prevent the mold from developing and spreading. Immediately contact a team of water restoration and mold remediation specialists to remove the excess standing water. The company inspects for visible and hidden mold and moisture, contains the affected area, and filters spores from the air. Porous materials are removed, such as carpeting, and remaining surfaces are treated for bacteria, cleaned and sanitized.
• Your role as the homeowner is to immediately turn off the HVAC system if you suspect mold growth. This will prevent the further spread of spores. Do not touch the mold or attempt to clean it yourself.

Unmitigated mold growth after a storm in Round Rock, TX, can wreak havoc on your home and your health. Recognize the signs and act quickly by having a mold remediation specialist out to your home as soon as possible after your home floods.