Dealing with the aftermath of a flood at your commercial property can be stressful in so many ways, but it’s crucial to act fast because major problems can develop quickly if not addressed immediately.
Extensive water damage can cause mould growth that can ruin your business property and its contents, including valuable documents and files, equipment, stock, furniture and even the structure of your building. Exposure to certain types of mould can also pose serious health risks for occupants.
The water damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster Restore want to help you be informed about the best prevention strategies to minimize damage caused by mould at your commercial property. Continue reading to learn about four critical steps you can take to limit the growth of mould, should flooding or other types of water damage occur at your place of business.
Items Susceptible to Mould Growth
Mould can begin to grow exponentially within 24 to 48 hours after flooding, making it crucial to take preventative steps as quickly as possible. Many materials in your facility may be more prone than others to developing mould after flooding has occurred.
- Upholstered furniture and wood: Porous materials can easily allow mould to thrive and take hold, so consider discarding these items, as well as those that were completely submerged in water.
- Plastic, metal and glass: With proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques, most nonporous materials can be salvaged.
- Carpets, drapery and rugs: Simply drying out materials such as carpets, drapery and rugs may not be enough to prevent mould after water damage. Consult with professional cleaners or discard and replace these items.
Steps To Preventing Mould Growth After a Flood
While there may not be a way for you to eliminate all of the mould spores within your building, there are several ways you can help limit its growth. Take these four steps to reduce the risk of mould growth on your premises after flooding or extensive water damage.
1. Remove Water and Completely Dry Out All Areas
Because mould spores grow and disperse quickly, the sooner you can remove the excess water and dry out your facility, the better. Use a wet-dry shop vacuum to remove water, and clean materials such as exposed wood framing and studs. If the air outside isn't too humid, keep all doors and windows open to allow fresh air to circulate.
2. Remove Mould-Infested Items from Your Building
Any materials that were completely submerged in water should be discarded. Some porous materials such as books and papers, upholstered furniture and drapery may be salvageable if they are not left too long. If a material has been wet for less than 48 hours, you may be able to clean and disinfect it to prevent mould from growing. However, if mould does begin to grow, discard the item 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. Reduce Moisture and Humidity
If the electricity at your facility is safe to use after flooding (have it inspected by professional electricians prior to use), you can reduce indoor humidity by installing dehumidifiers and fans. However, if mould is already present, do not use fans, because they can cause the mould spores to become airborne and spread throughout the environment.
4. Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company As Soon As Possible
One of the most effective ways to prevent mould growth after a flood is to contact an experienced water damage restoration company as soon as possible. A team of professional water remediation and mould prevention specialists will know how to properly address any mould problems that are present, and they can provide you with peace of mind knowing your facility is safe to continue working in.
The mould detection and removal experts at ServiceMaster Restore are available to help you prepare for the aftermath of flood damage even before the need arises. Learn more about the differences between mould and mildew and the dangers each can present to your business property. And find out what more you can do after a flood to minimize damage caused by mould.
Finally, if you need reliable mould detection and removal services, call the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore. With 70 years of experience in comprehensive water damage restoration services, our team has the expertise, innovative technology and resources to get your business back to normal fast. Contact us today to learn more about our 24/7 availability and our water damage restoration services.