What Homeowners Get Wrong About Mold Prevention After Flooding

A flood can cause much more than just water damage to your home and personal items; it also has the potential to infest your home with mold if you are not careful. Post-flood, most homeowners are concerned about replacing their floors or repairing their drywall, but measures should also be taken to prevent mold from growing. 

The main reason why mold growth occurs after floods is due to the misunderstandings homeowners have regarding how mold grows, leading to them spending money on mold removal costs. If you’re struggling with mold after a flood, trust the certified team at Canada’s Restoration Services for mold removal in Toronto. 

Here are some common mistakes you should avoid when it comes to mold prevention after a flood.

Why Mold Grows After Floods

The main reason why homes are at an increased risk of mold after floods is the excess moisture. The two main things that mold spores require for growth are a moist environment and some kind of food source. Given the fact that most organic materials act as a food source for mold, it is rather easy for growth to begin. 

What Homeowners Get Wrong

Many homeowners are not well informed about mold and appropriate prevention methods; as a result, they may struggle with mold even after taking measures to prevent it. 

#1: Dryness as an Indicator of Safety

One common misconception about mold, especially after flooding, is that dryness indicates that your home is safe from mold. This is simply not the case.

Although moisture indicates an increased risk of mold, dryness does not necessarily mean that you are safe. Even when your drywall feels dry to the touch, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t harbouring moisture. Hidden moisture inside or behind your walls, in your insulation and floors can still fuel mold even if it appears to be “dry”.

#2: Waiting Too Long to Act 

Dealing with flood damage can be frustrating, and it is understandable why homeowners may delay cleanup; however, waiting too long can lead to their incurring significant mold removal costs down the line. Mold spores only take 24 to 48 hours to reproduce, so you need to be timely with your intervention. If you are dealing with any kind of flooding or water damage, you need to call in a professional team for water damage restoration as soon as possible, or else you may be dealing with mold before the flood damage is even addressed. 

#3: Relying on Bleach

Many homeowners believe that bleach can tackle mold. While bleach is a potent compound that might be able to eliminate surface-level mold, it absolutely cannot treat mold on porous surfaces. Drywall, wood floors and many types of tiles are naturally porous and require professional mold removal in Toronto to prevent the mold from growing back. Bleach is also highly toxic and should not be dealt with, especially in high volumes, unless absolutely necessary. Given how ineffective bleach is for mold, it is not required for removal and prevention.

Avoid Mold Prevention Mistakes with Canada’s Restoration Services

Although water damage is the primary concern when dealing with a flood, mold should also be considered in your restoration efforts. A flooded basement offers the perfect environment for mold to grow. However, avoiding common prevention mistakes and investing in mold removal in Toronto can help keep mold at bay after a flood. Contact Canada’s Restoration Services today for a quote on mold removal costs.

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