Basement flooding can be nasty. Not only because the water damage covers a huge area that must be dealt with quickly, but because if you don’t, it’s a sure shot recipe for inviting mold growth. Mold and mildew don’t take long before they start to form up in wet and humid areas. Within almost 24 hours of a flood, mold starts to take roots in the water damaged area, and once it does, it can spread throughout the property from there. The best line of defense is to act quickly to clean up, dry, and sanitize the area. You may even have to discard many of the water damaged and mold-ridden valuables in the process.
Not doing so will expose you and your household to health risks such as aggravated allergies, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and more. Furthermore, mold growth causes structural damage that will cost you not only in expensive repairs but also by lessening the resale value of your property.
Let’s go over some of the things you should do to prevent mold growth after flooding.
- First things first, acquire professional water damage restoration services, STOP Restoration is one of the best when it comes to water damage restoration services in Fort Worth, Texas and adjoining areas such as Benbrook, Arlington, Burleson or North Richland Hills. This one is definitely not a DIY job that you can do at home. The basement is a large area to be covered, and it requires professional-grade equipment and gear. Also, the chances of messing up the job by doing it yourself are too high. Therefore, it is best left to the professionals. Once you’ve called in professional help, you can get to the following in the meanwhile.
- Although the right professional restoration service providers will move all the affected items for you, you can sort out all items that have been damaged by the water to kick off your mold prevention regime timely. There are materials that are likely to attract mold development if left damp or wet for too long. These items include wooden furniture, upholstery, paper, and food. Wooden products that have been damaged by the flooding should be discarded. If the carpets have been left too long in the damp environment, mold growth is likely, and then they may have to be discarded as well.
- The damaged items may have to be kept for a while for insurance purposes. Make sure that you store them outside while the insurance claims are processed.
- Items such as plastic, glass, or metal objects are nonporous and hardened objects. They can be disinfected and cleaned with detergents and subsequently reused.
- Use detergents or non-ammonia soaps to clean up the items and areas that made contact with the floodwater.
If you require water damage restoration services in Fort Worth, Texas, give STOP Restoration a call on 682-703-0213. We will provide meticulous cleanup services and will also move all of your damaged items from the affected areas.
