Mold is a common consequence of a flood, leak or moisture build-up in any part of the home.
The usual hotspots include bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawl spaces and drywall. But wherever mold forms in your property, you have to remove it at the earliest opportunity before it becomes a bigger problem.
Elderly people, infants, toddlers, those with compromised immune systems and asthmatics are all at greater risk of experiencing health issues due to mold. As it spreads by releasing spores into the air, you may ingest these without even realizing, triggering potential side-effects like an irritated throat, headaches or nausea.
Following a flood, leak, heavy rain or any other incident of water damaging your home, a thorough clean-up operation is vital to prevent mold formation. Proper structural drying plays a key part, but how does this work?
What is Structural Drying?
Structural drying involves removing moisture from affected areas in a minimally-invasive way.
Water that may have collected in drywall, hardwood floors and more is extracted carefully by driving warm air across affected surfaces and through cavities. This process may be performed over a number of days depending on the extent of the water damage.
Different types of equipment are used in proper structural drying, including air movers and special fans.
Removing as much moisture as possible and treating target areas with dry air prevents mold forming. It also reduces the risk of the structure’s integrity becoming compromised, minimizing the danger of further problems developing down the line.
How Else can you Prevent Mold Growth?
Proper structural drying will prevent mold forming after a flood, heavy leak etc., but what other steps can you take to safeguard your home?
- Aim to keep your humidity levels below 60 percent
- Undertake thorough cleaning of any surfaces prone to mold formation, using disinfectants
- Open doors between rooms to encourage air circulation
- Stay aware of your basement’s humidity and condition: if you notice the air becoming damp or spot a leak, take care of it immediately
- Dry spillages quickly
- Dry condensation from walls, windows and floors
- Use extractor fans in areas prone to steam build-ups, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms
If your home is damaged by a flood or rain (through a gap in your roof), a water removal company will extract it quickly and safely. Water damage restoration may be required to bring your home to a usable condition again, minimizing the risk of mold forming in affected areas.
How can we Help?
Water Damage Oakland is an experienced team offering professional water damage remediation services. We’re an insurance approved vendor, have an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and are fully licensed, insured and bonded.
We’ll undertake proper structural drying to prevent mold growing in your property following water damage, using cutting-edge equipment. Want to know more about how we can help you? Call us on (510) 263-3220 now!
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