Dealing with the aftermath of flooding at your place of business can be stressful, but without fast action, excess water at your commercial property can cause major problems including hazardous mould growth. Quick response will save your business long-term damage and costly repairs.
Extensive water damage can cause mould to grow, threatening your equipment, furniture and even the entire structure of your building. Exposure to certain types of mould can also pose serious health risks for occupants.
The best approach is to be prepared to deal with water damage before the need arises. Read further to learn how you can minimize damages and limit the growth of mould at your facility, should an invasive water event such as flooding occur.
MATERIALS SUSCEPTIBLE TO MOULD GROWTH
Even after excess water is removed from your property, moisture and humidity can continue to accumulate, especially in walls, ceilings and floors. Microorganisms that turn into mould are always in the air around us so given the ideal circumstances, mould growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.
Mould will continue to grow as long as indoor humidity levels remain high, and mould can grow on carpet, fabric and upholstery, wood, drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, wallpaper and painted surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial that preventative steps are taken as quickly as possible.
Many items in your facility are prone to developing mould after a flood, including:
- Upholstered furniture and wood—porous materials can easily trap mould, so consider discarding these items. Any items that were completely submerged in water should also be completely replaced.
- Carpets, drapery and rugs: Simply drying out materials like carpets, drapery and rugs may not be enough to prevent mould after water damage. Have these items assessed by professional cleaners. If they are not salvageable, they should be discarded and replaced.
4 STEPS TO PREVENTING MOULD AFTER A FLOOD
Follow these four steps to help reduce risk of mould growth in your commercial property.
1. REMOVE WATER AND COMPLETELY DRY OUT ALL AREAS
Because mould spores disperse and grow quickly, the sooner you can remove excess water and dry out your facility, the better. Use a wet-dry shop vacuum to remove water and wipe clean materials like exposed wood framing and studs. If the air outside isn't very humid, open all doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Open inside doors, especially closets and interior rooms to help them dry out.
2. REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND WET ITEMS FROM YOUR BUILDING
Any materials that have been completely soaked or submerged in water should be discarded. You may be able to clean and disinfect some items to prevent mould from growing. However, if mould does begin to grow on them, discard them immediately.
Mould can grow on drywall, inside wall cavities and within insulation. Remove and discard all wet insulation and contaminated porous materials such as drywall and ceiling tiles.
3. LIMIT MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY
If the electricity is safe to use, help reduce moisture with dehumidifiers and fans. However, if mould is already present, do not use fans, because fans can spread existing mould spores throughout the environment.
4. CONTACT A RESTORATION COMPANY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
The most effective way to prevent mould after a flood is to contact an experienced restoration company as soon as possible. A team of water damage and mould prevention specialists will have the expertise to properly address potential mould problems and detect water that may have seeped behind walls, under flooring or into the HVAC system.
ServiceMaster Restore has the experience, expertise, and resources to quickly mitigate water damage that can result after a flood or other water emergencies. Professional water extraction and drying will ensure that even hidden moisture underneath flooring or in the walls is properly removed.
If you need reliable mould detection and removal services, call the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore. With over 70 years of experience in comprehensive water damage restoration services, our team has the knowledge, innovative technology and protocols to get your business back to normal fast. Contact us today to learn more about our 24/7 availability and our other water damage restoration services.