Water Damage and Mold

When it comes to water damage, it is imperative that you take quick action to avoid mold growth.? If the response time is quick and the situation handled efficiently, most likely, mold remediation will not be required. If items and materials have been wet for more than 48 hours, mold growth will occur.

After Water Damage

Action Steps

Books and Papers

• For non-valuable items, discard books and papers.
• Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.
• Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.

Carpet Backing

• Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
• Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.
• Accelerate drying process with fans.

Ceiling Tiles

• Discard and replace.

?Cellulose Insulation

• Discard and replace.

Fiberglass Insulation

• Discard and replace.

?Concert or Cinder Block Surfaces

• Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
• Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.

Hard surface, porous flooring (Linoleum, Ceramic Tile, Vinyl)

• Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.
• Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if necessary.

Non-porous, hard surfaces (Plastics, Metals)

• Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.

Upholstered Furniture

• Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
• Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
• May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture.

Wallboard (Drywall and Gypsum Board)

• May be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace.
• Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.

Window Drapes

• Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer.

Wood Surfaces

• Remove moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying. (Use caution when applying heat to hardwood floors.)
• Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry.
• Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.

If mold growth has occurred, consult an experience remediation professional. The above guidelines are for clear water damage (there are 3 categories of water damage). If the water source is contaminated (black water,? with sewage, or chemical or biological pollutants), then a restoration professional needs to handle the cleanup wearing protective equipment.

Water Damage Restoration