It’s that time of the year in the Bridgewater area when the snow has just about fully melted and Spring showers are in full force. While most people see this as a glimmer of hope that better weather is on the horizon, it can be a disaster for some home or business owners thanks to the possibility of basement flooding. If you find that your home or business has become the victim of flooding, there is a very high possibility it will cause mold growth.
If you do experience the unfortunate event of a basement flood, there are a few steps you can take prevent and remediate mold growth. Mold can begin to grow in as little as one to two days, that’s why it is important to act as quickly as possible. The best bet is to hire a trusted, professional mold remediation company to handling any mold related issue as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Remove objects from the flooded area that are not wet
After your home or business has flooded it’s important to asses the situation and see how bad it really is. The first step is surveying the area (only entering after it’s safe) and quickly removing anything that hasn’t been damaged too badly by the water. Mold loves to grow on things such as furniture and other things, so the faster you remove them from the affected area, the better chance you have of the mold not spreading and saving your belongings.
Removal of flood water
Using the combination of years of experience and top of the line equipment, mold removal professionals in Massachusetts can ensure that all water will be safely and completely removed from the affected area. If the area is carpeted there are also additional steps to salvage and prevent mold growth. Within 24-48 hours carpets will be treated with a water extraction vacuum, de-humidified with a commercial dehumidifier, and have the drying process started with industrial strength fans.
If the ceilings are affected from the flood, all tiles will be discarded and replaced. As for drywall and gypsum board, it’s possible that it is salvageable if there is no swelling and the seams are all intact. If not, they will be replaced and the area will be aired out to dry.
All wood surfaces shall be treated in the same way as if it was a carpet (dried/de-humidified immediately) as well as using gentle heat to treat the wood surface. After, it’s important to clean treated wood with a mild detergent and clean water. Wood paneling located on walls needs to be pried off and allowed to dry separately.
Post-Flood
After it has been treated for water damage and mold prevention, there are a few things you need to look out for upon return to your Brockton home or business. Re-check all of the items you removed from the flooded area and ensure there is not signs of mold on anything as re-introducing these items can encourage mold to spread and grow all over again.
Do a few smell tests around the area to see if it smells outrageously musty or different. If so, it’s possible there is an area thats been missed or passed over.
The best idea is to get a professional or an expert to inspect (and perhaps mold test) your home for you to let you know for certain that it’s alright to resume living in.
Water damage repair and mold remediation specialists in Bridgewater, Quincy & Brockton MA
If you have been on the wrong side of mother nature this spring, your best bet is to call the Moldguys. Moldguys Restoration LLC has the experience and customer-friendly approach to ensure you are taken care of in difficult times for your property. Located in East Bridgewater MA, we have been servicing everywhere from Quincy to Braintree and beyond for all of Massachusetts mold removal and water damage repair needs. If you need the Moldguys services you can call us at (781) 910-5029, 24/7 or fill out our contact form located on this page.