Hurricane Irene has ravaged the United States in obvious ways, blowing down and flooding countless homes, but the natural disaster can inflict long-term damage, too. The moisture created by flooding creates an ideal breeding ground for toxic mold spores.
The impact can also be felt north of the border. In Canada, we were hit with major storms as a residual effect of Irene, so a GTA mold inspection company could be just as busy as an American one theoretically.
Naturally, it’s a smart idea to undergo a mold inspection even just to see if your home is at risk after a flood. However, while you’re waiting for the help to arrive, the Center for Disease Control recommends a few key tactics to perform in the first 24 to 48 hours after flooding.
1. Dry out the building quickly. Open doors and windows, get air flowing through your home, use dehumidifiers or fans, and do anything possible to dry your place out.
2. Get tough on porous items. It may be frustrating, but you’re better off saying goodbye to any porous or “undryable” items that can’t be properly cleaned and dried. That includes wallpaper, drywall, insulation, leather, cardboard, paper, and even some clothing, just to name a few items. Trying to dry them isn’t worth the trouble because it’s virtually impossible to completely to do so. The smarter move is to get these mold-prone items out of your home!
3. Clean wet, salvageable items with water and detergent. The use of detergent or bleach to combat mold is a source of debate in the mold inspection community. But, even if detergent can’t kill mold, it may be effective at making conditions undesirable for mold to initially grow.
The CDC is adamant that you act quickly if your basement has been flooded. Once the initial work is done, you can contract a certified company for affordable mold testing.
MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free homes and breathable indoor air spaces in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and beyond. Providing certified mold inspection, detection and testing since 2005, we service home owners, real-estate agents, landlords, property managers, insurance companies and businesses. Featured on CTV and recommended by contractors, we regularly serve as expert witnesses in court proceeding relating to Mold and Indoor Air Quality issues. Do you have mold? Call us today for a free quote at (416) 575-6111.