Mould growth is a severe problem commonly accompanying water damage. If your home recently survived a storm, flood, and other kinds of water damage, dealing with mould-growth should be a top priority. This is because mould exposure can trigger allergic reactions, such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, itchy eyes, and red skin. Some studies even suggest that mould exposure at an early age could cause children to develop asthma.
Where Does Mould Grow?
Mould spores thrive in dark and wet environments. However, they prefer environments between 25°C to 20°C, especially if the air is humid. That being said, it’s worth noting that mould spores are organic organisms that need food—and they are not picky eaters. They will consume any organic matter in your house, including but not limited to wood, drywall, and paper—but will also consume some synthetic materials, like paint, adhesive, and textiles.
Since it’s practically impossible to remove their food source, the best way to get rid of mould is to get rid of any excess moisture in your home. No exposed surface in your home should remain wet within 24 to 48 hours, as this is all the time needed for dormant mould spores to activate.
Where Should I Look for Mould?
When dealing with water damage, it’s best to contact professional flood restoration services near you. They will have ample experience and specialized equipment required to ensure that your home is restored to its original state before the flooding.
That being said, there’s nothing wrong with doing some water damage repairs of your own while you wait. Here are three places to check for mould growth immediately after experiencing water damage.
– Carpets
Carpets trap a lot of dirt and moisture from people’s feet and liquid spills daily. When water damage comes, they will absorb a lot of the water and retain them even after the water has receded. If a carpet was made from organic materials, then it’s the perfect host for mould.
The best thing to do first is to lay the carpet out outside and let sunlight dry it. If you’re doing this during the colder season, you’ll need to use a wet vacuum to extract the moisture remaining and then use a steam cleaner to clean it up. It’s also a good idea to use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
– Padded Furniture
The foam padding of furniture, such as couches and mattresses, needs to be dried out in the sun as soon as possible. However, even if they appear to be dry from the surface, you will still need to use specialized equipment, such as dehumidifiers, to get rid of moisture that’s been seeped into the core of the foam. If not dried properly, the underside of furniture could serve as a mould colony—making mould inhalation a real possibility.
– Air Ducts
Your home’s air ducts are ideal areas for mould growth, even without the aid of water damage. High levels of moisture can condense and accumulate in duct lining materials, encouraging its growth. The fact that they are out of sight and receive little sunlight means that they are ideal spots for the mould to grow unnoticed!
Conclusion
Getting rid of moisture after surviving a flood or detecting water damage is crucial to prevent mould growth, but it shouldn’t stop there. It’s worth noting that mould can “deactivate” and wait until the conditions are ideal again for thriving. Even with no obvious evidence of water damage, checking your home for any hidden sources of excess moisture should be a part of preventive home maintenance.
Are you looking for a disaster restoration service in Calgary to manage mould growth after severe water damage wrecks your home? Nationwide Restorations is your best bet for mould removal services in Edmonton, AB. We also offer fire and water damage restoration for both residential and commercial buildings. Contact us today to learn more.