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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Ask The Experts: Why does flooding cause mold?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water contains a wide variety of contaminants that range from debris to chemicals and microbes. Find out how flooding introduces the perfect combination of moisture and food sources to cause mold growth in a residence or business.

Moisture Is Present
Mold spores are present everywhere. Spores settle on moist surfaces and start to grow if nutrients are available. Flood water carries all of the following contaminants:

  • Microbes
  • Organic Matter
  • Solid Waste

These are only the contents most relevant to mold. Flood water may also contain chemicals, debris, pests and other harmful contents. Any flooded area of a home raises the risk of mold growth throughout the premises.

Nutriment Is Available
The presence of food sources in flood water coincides with organic building materials. Cellulose is a plant-derived substance present in drywall, insulation, wallpaper and wood that supplies all the nutriment fungus needs to thrive.
Mold growth may occur anywhere in a flooded area. Arrange to have standing water pumped out as quickly as possible, bearing in mind that it may be necessary to equalize pressure on the walls of a flooded basement to prevent structural damage. Once water levels recede, have areas exposed to contaminated water inspected. Porous materials are difficult to thoroughly disinfect. Tear out damaged materials prior to cleaning and disinfection.

Delayed Cleanup Gives Time for Growth
When flood cleanup does not take place for more than 24 to 48 hours, the level of contamination in water increases substantially. Bacteria, fungi and other microbes multiply, raising the risks to which cleanup specialists will be exposed. Personal protective equipment is essential at any stage of flood cleanup.
Flooding is considered Category Three water damage or black water. If contaminated water originating outdoors or in a sewer system ends up pooling inside a domicile in Littleton, CO, quick extraction, disinfection and drying are necessary to prevent mold growth.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

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