Flooded basements are a nightmare for any homeowner. They are a common occurrence in our area. Water seeps through the windows and walls and enters the basement. As a result, water accumulates in the basement and it leads to a host of problems.
Mold growth is one of the most common problems that arise in the aftermath of basement flooding. It not only makes the space look and smell dirty, but it is also a serious health concern.
Common Health Concerns of Mold
Mold can cause the following health issues:
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Sore throat
- Coughs
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing
- Nasal congestions
- Sinus infection
- Infection of the respiratory tract
All these health concerns make mold a serious health concern. If you find mold growing in your basement or any other room of the house, then you should take immediate measures to prevent it from growing any further.
How to Prevent Mold Growth after Basement Flooding?
Here are some tips that can help prevent mold growth after basement flooding.
1. Check Each Room
First things first, you need to find out the extent of mold growth in your house. Even if just the basement was flooded, it is best to check each room for any signs of mold growth. Mold grows very quickly. Therefore, you should check each room so that you can nip the evil in the bud.
2. Dry Wet Items ASAP
Mold grows in a wet and humid environment. Thus, you have to get rid of this environment as soon as you can so that you can prevent mold from growing any further. Dry all the wet things in the basement as soon as you can. Using dehumidifiers, air conditioners or fans can speed up the process.
Use a generator to power the dehumidifier if there is no power. Don’t leave anything wet or the problem will just grow further.
3. Remove Wet Carpet
Was your basement carpeted? If yes, then the carpets must be soaking wet by now. Remove the wet carpet immediately. If you leave them there, it will only make the mold grow under the carpet and it would become impossible to contain it. Therefore, remove all wet carpets and and get them dried out. If the carpeting can be reused then you should have them cleaned and sanitized thoroughly before they are re-installed.
4. Clean All Affected Areas
The affected areas must be cleaned to ensure contamination and bacteria are removed from the environment. This at times means that the drywall and other building may need to be removed. If water got behind walls and under structural framing it needs to be cleaned and dried properly.
5. Get Help
If you think you will not be able to take care of all these processes on your own, you can always get help from STOP Restoration. We have been offering our services for many decades now and have taken care of many residential and commercial properties after basement flooding or any water leak for that matter. Our experts have years of experience and can handle all flooded basement and mold growth issues professionally.
Get in touch with us at (509) 818-7744 to book an appointment right now.
