Coming home to a flooded house is something no one wants to have to deal with. Mold damage can be a nightmare in any home, so it’s imperative to know how to prevent and deal with it if it happens to you. Here are some suggestions on how to deal with and prevent water and mold damage in your home.
#1: Regulate indoor moisture to prevent mold damage
- It’s no secret that mold and mildew thrive off areas that are damp. Mold damage usually forms in places that remain hidden, such as crawlspaces, basements, attics, and basically anywhere in your house where water can access a dark area from the outside. The best way to regulate indoor moisture is to ensure your home has proper ventilation in areas that need it the most.
#2: Get the right size bathroom fan
- Did you know that bathroom fans come in different sizes depending on the cubic footage of your bathroom? A good rule of thumb to know whether your fan is getting the job done is the time it takes to clear out most of the moisture in the bathroom after a shower. A proper sized fan should clear out the majority of the moisture within 5 to 10 minutes. If it’s not, measure the cubic footage of your bathroom, and make sure you replace your current one with a fan that’s the right size. The bathroom is a breeding ground for mold!
#3: Get a humidity sensor
- Having too much humidity in a room for extended periods of time can cause mold damage, mildew, and even rotting inside walls. If you’re looking into getting a new bathroom fan, think about getting one with a humidity sensor. These fans automatically turn on and off when the moisture levels in the bathroom rise and fall.
#4: Dry shower walls after every use
- A simple squeegee of bathroom showers or walls reduces at least three-fourths of moisture that can lead to mold and mildew growth.
#5: Clean surface mold ASAP
- Visible mold typically grows in any damp location where moisture can get trapped: in between tiles, in corners of the bathtub, and near faucets. To remove surface mold, mix a solution of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water and let it sit on the mold or mildew for 10 minutes before wiping it off.
#6: Paint high-moisture rooms with mildewcide paint.
- Paint with mildewcide does exactly what it sounds like: helps control surface mold in dark and moist areas.
#7: Stop leaks immediately
- If you see or suspect a leak in your home, turn off the main water valve to the house as soon as possible. Because there will still be a small amount of water in the pipes after the main valve is closed, it’s smart to also turn on the lowest faucet (given that it is not the one leaking) to drain all of the remaining water.
#8: Clean up water as fast as possible
- Time is of the essence when dealing with both water and mold damage. The first, and most important step when dealing with water and mold damage is drying the effected area as quickly as possible .
#9: Be safe
- Your first reaction in the event of a flood is to run in and safe everything you can hold. Keep in mind that the water inside your house can not only be dangerous but even deadly. The stagnant water may be in contact with electricity without your knowledge, and floodwaters may also contain unknown chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Wait for a professional before entering your house in event of a flood.
#10: Take the right precautions
- It’s better to be safe than sorry. Turn off the main water valve when going on vacation for long periods of time, and always use “no burst” stainless steel hoses for any appliances that involve water. Read our water damage prevention while on vacation guide.
In the event of any water or mold damage emergency, Certified Restoration will always be there to help. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call and we’ll help get you back on track.