How to Prevent Mold Growth After a Water Damage

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold behind wainscoting.

Mold spores are everywhere! It only wrecks havoc on our life when it starts to grow in our home.  

Mold requires a few circumstances in order to grow. 

1. Warmth:

Ideal temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Mold does not flourish in cold temperatures. 

2. Food:

Organic matter found in sporous materials like carpet, carpet pad, drywall, wallpaper, wood materials, paper products and ceiling tiles.

3. Moisture:

Humid environments with poor circulation.

How to prevent it.

Typically when mold has these conditions present it can begin to grow within 24-48 hours. 

To prevent mold from reaching these conditions we must:

First, eliminate water ASAP.

Second, remove any saturated porous materials like carpet padding, insulation and ceiling tiles. Upholstered furniture should be removed as well since it can be a nesting ground for mold and difficult to clean. Lift carpeting to allow flooring underneath to dry out. 

Third, dry out any wet materials with fans. Keep area ventilated by opening windows and doors. 

Fourth, dry out the moisture in the air with a dehumidifier.

Fifth, sanitize walls, flooring and baseboards. Any baseboards not made of true wood should be discarded. If so made of wood detach from wall to allow drying to occur behind. 

In most cases a professional like SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County is recommended to perform proper water mitigation and drying. In the event mold does grow on these materials mold remediation will need to be done safely and effectively to ensure no health risks are present.