Mold Damage Emergency Tips

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a Lochbuie, CO home

Emergency Steps You Can take

The idea of having black mold concerns many homeowners because it has the potential to cause adverse health effects. In addition, if mold is left to sit long enough, it can cause property damage by eating away at the material it is on. If you have experienced a flood or water damage in Lochbuie, CO, there are a few emergency steps you can take.

1. Act Quickly

In wet or moist conditions, some species of mold can begin forming in as little as 24-48 hours. The quicker you can dry out the area, the less chance mold has to form. If water has soaked carpets, drywall, or other porous materials, you may need to use industrialized blowers.

2. Determine Whether You Have Mold

You can perform a visual search to check for mold. It can lurk in places that are not obvious, such as underneath carpets or inside of vents. A musky odor is an indication that it present, even if you cannot see it.

3. Vacate the Area

Areas with black mold may be unsafe to enter because you could disturb the spores, causing them to become airborne. It is best to close the door and not disturb the space until proper mold cleanup can begin.

4. Stop Air Flow

Fans and HVAC systems should be turned off and windows closed. If air blows on the mold, it may spread spores to other areas or cause them to get into the ventilation system.

5. Perform Mold Remediation

Mold must be properly cleaned and disinfected so that the roots of the spores are destroyed during the process. Otherwise, it may start to grow back if the moisture problem returns.
If you have experienced water damage in your home, you could have black mold. Your best course of action is to contact a mold remediation specialist to assess the extent of the damage. Professionals can use specialized equipment and products to safely return your residence to its previous condition.