0
0 Hurricanes or storms tend to be extremely dangerous and damaging factors, especially in regions that experience multiple every year. Not only do they cause damage to the properties but also leave the owners something complicated and expensive to deal with such as mold. Mold is the biggest enemy of the house and can slowly eat up the entire place. One of the first things you should consider once a hurricane or storm has passed away is to prevent mold. Do not underestimate its impact. Below are some important tips that will help prevent mold. You can also take help from mold removal services.
Preventing Mold After A Hurricane Or A Storm
Start Dehumidifying As Soon As Possible
The very first thing you are going to do after bearing the brunt of a hurricane or storm is dehumidify the entire house. This means that you will need to turn on the air conditioners in the house along with the fans to help moisture evaporate.
If possible, try to invest in some dehumidifiers and place them in different areas of the house. Make sure to open the windows and doors to help with ventilation. If you have an attic or a basement, you will need to look after their ventilation as well.
You need to assess damage after a storm. The attic tends to be the most commonly ignored area in the house. However, the fact is that if damage were to occur, you will not notice it until you come across some cracks, paint fade, or watermarks on the walls below. Plus, finding the crack or leakage in the attic could be a difficult task as well.
So, make sure to check the attic along with the basement to ensure everything is in perfect working condition. Any cracks, damages, or leakages regardless of the size can create serious issues if ignored.
Keep The Water Out
A hurricane or a storm tends to bring quite a lot of water with it. Commercial sewage pipes are made to handle such situations but sometimes, the water quantity is too much for them to handle as well. This means, either it will take some time for the water level to go down or the pipes will remain blocked for a while.
But in the meantime, you should try to keep the water out and prevent it from getting to the items inside the house. The best way you can do that is by covering the items using plastic sheets. You might think that a hurricane or stormwater won’t do much damage and you should wait for the water to go away on its own.
However, what you do not realize is that furniture, décor, chairs, couches, etc. can absorb both water and moisture. With time, this will lead to the formation of mold and you will find yourself in a desperate situation to get rid of it. Moreover, you should inspect your HVAC system as mold can grow in the ducts and other parts of the system.
Since prevention is better than cure, make sure you move all the items away from the reach of the water and cover the remaining to avoid direct contact.
Inspect For Water Damage
Performing an inspection for water damage is crucial for preventing mold after a hurricane. You won’t be able to do this when there is water in the house. You should wait for the water to drain all the way and then perform an inspection of the most vulnerable and ignored areas of the house.
Sometimes, mold tends to take place in corners and areas that are not easily visible. You might think that water could not have reached a certain area but it might have already done damage. Plus, always perform inspection in sunlight so that everything is visible.
Performing an inspection at night will only lead to more trouble. Make sure to check the bathrooms, roof, attic, and basement. If not possible, hire a water damage restoration Bethesda expert who will perform a thorough inspection using special tools and skills.
Clean And Disinfect Surfaces
Preventing mold after a hurricane is not just limited to ensuring proper ventilation and inspecting for damage but also includes a lot more such as cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces. You should sanitize your home thoroughly to both effectively and properly combat mold after the hurricane is gone.
You will need to clean the walls, floors, and countertops to prevent any infections or diseases from taking place. Use proper disinfectants on hard surfaces like wood, glass, and metal to help kill any bacteria or mold spores. At the same time, you should also prioritize safety by wearing gloves and a mask as mold spores tend to be airborne and can cause respiratory issues.
One of the most effective methods for cleaning mold is using a diluted solution of bleach and water. You can also opt for alternatives like hydrogen peroxide. Make sure not to mix the cleaning agents as they can produce harmful gases. Use a scrub, brush, and a wet cloth to gently remove and wipe away the mold.
Choose The Right Construction Materials
Once you have inspected the damage, it is now time to repair and reconstruct the affected areas. Keep in mind that if the mold is found behind the walls or under the floor, you will need to tear them up to fix the root cause of the problem. Although it is going to cost you a bit of money and time, that is the only way to prevent mold from occurring again.
Ideally, you should wait for the house to properly dry. But, if you are expecting an expert to handle the issue, they won’t wait for long and will begin working when they believe the moisture has dropped to a safe level.
However, it is important to choose the right construction materials that include breathable materials allowing for proper ventilation. Steer clear of waterproof and synthetic materials as they can trap water and moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Discard Wet Textiles And Furniture
If for some reason, you were not able to save some of the items inside the house and they are fully soaked in water, you might have to discard them. The reason is that it will take a lot of time for both water and moisture to exit and by then, they will most probably be damaged to the point where repairs won’t be possible.
But, items like rugs and carpets should immediately be removed to prevent mold from further spreading and causing damage. If possible, ask a friend or a family member to give you a helping hand.
Conclusion
In the end, preventing mold after a hurricane can be both mentally and physically draining. But, considering the tips mentioned above, you will know where to look and start. If your budget allows, hire mold remediation Silver Spring services who will perform a thorough job and fix the issues that you didn’t even know existed. This is a sort of investment you make to prevent further and future damages from taking place.
