Inspection for mold

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew. Mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours. However, for long-term issues, like mold caused by attic condensation, the mold may have started growing a long time ago, and if you find mold and mildew issues, you need to be very careful.

Dry Out the Affected Area
It’s essential to get rid of all moisture ASAP before it causes more damage. And for small leaks, this may not be difficult, but it’s critical to be thorough. Use fans to circulate air in the affected area. Consider renting a large-capacity dehumidifier for larger projects to dry out surrounding wood, carpet, and other materials.

Remove and Toss Damaged Porous Materials
Porous materials include carpet, insulation, fabric, and similar items. If they’ve been soaked in water, you may have to cut them out and throw them away. Water will permanently damage most porous materials by shrinking or warping them, and mildew will further damage them. And if you have a beloved piece of furniture you want to save, you could try isolating and drying it out, but the damage may already be done, especially if you see drywall water damage.

Focus on Ceilings Water Damage Repair First
Ceilings exposed to water damage are more at risk due to gravity: You don’t want them sagging or collapsing. So, remove affected ceiling panels or boards first. If a leak causes a roof problem, it’s essential to find the source of the leak, which may be somewhere far removed from the water stain. And take this time to make sure the water caused no structural damage to beams or rafters.

Replace Damaged Wood
All severely warped wood (notably flooring), rotting wood, and wood that has developed mold/mildew problems will need to be replaced. Pry apart damaged boards and thoroughly clean beneath them before replacing them. And if the wood is a structural component of your house, you must be very careful when replacing it so that the structure has the proper support during and after the water damage repair project.

It’s common to have this type of water damage in our homes, that’s why, as we could see above, it’s essential to take action so that the situation doesn’t get any worse. We SERVPRO has the suitable material and equipment to help you. Our professional team is trained for these types of events so do not hesitate to call us, we will take care of it! "Like it never happened."