The average homeowner has a lot on their plate these days. They have to worry about whether they can afford the mortgage payment, find a way to pay for college tuition, or even just how they are going to be able to keep up with all of their bills this month. When they get overwhelmed by all of this, it is easy for them to forget something that’s just as important as anything else – keeping your home mold-free!
Basements can become flooded very quickly and without any warning. If you know what to do when water begins to flood your basement, you will be able to prevent mold from forming. You should also be prepared if there is already mold in your basement because you will need to take steps immediately to remove it before it spreads.
Here are some tips that will help you avoid mold and water damage in your basement:
Get The Flooding Under Control Before It Starts
If you live near a body of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean, then you should always consider flooding in your basement. Even if the water never gets above ankle level, it may still cause problems. In fact, if the water does rise above your ankles, you may have to evacuate your entire house until the water recedes. This could mean losing everything that is valuable to you.
Before you call a professional to come out and inspect your property, try to stop the water yourself. If you think you might have a problem, turn off the main water valve so that the excess water cannot flow into the house. If you don’t think you’ll be able to fix the problem quickly enough, contact your local emergency management office or sheriff’s department and let them know that you suspect your basement is flooding.
You can also use buckets to catch the water and redirect it away from your foundation walls. If you have an automatic sump pump, make sure that it is working properly, and that it is draining the water away from the basement.
Call an Emergency Cleanup Service
Once you’ve done everything you can to stop the water from flooding your basement and you still notice signs of mold, it is time to call a professional. A professional team of experts will have the right equipment to clean up the water and the necessary knowledge to remove any mold that forms while the water is still present.
The emergency clean-up service providers are available to provide the services for 24*7 hours. A person can plan to make the analysis of the flooded basement cleanup cost and then take future steps. The complete idea of the detail will help in achieving the goals.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have to hire someone who specializes in flood cleanup, like one of our certified flood cleanup specialists. Call around and see who offers a good price for the service that you need. Once you have found a company that has the experience and equipment that you require, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Be Prepared For An Inspection
When you call a professional cleaning company to assess the damage caused by water in your basement, you will need to provide them with a detailed list of everything that was damaged and why. Also include the floor plan of your home as well as a map showing where the water came through the basement wall.
They will also want to know what kind of mold you saw during the inspection. Some kinds of mold are harmless, but others can cause serious health issues.
Inspect All Surfaces That May Have Been Exposed To The Water
During your inspection, look carefully at all surfaces that were exposed to the water. Look for areas that are discolored or damp. These spots should be cleaned thoroughly with a disinfectant. Be careful not to touch any of the moldy areas; wear gloves to protect against getting sick.
While you’re removing the mold, check the walls for any cracks. If you see any, fill the holes with waterproof caulking material. Then reattach the drywall.
Keep In Touch With Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve completed the repairs, be sure to tell your insurance agent about it. Make sure that he or she knows exactly what happened, including any pictures, receipts, or other documentation.
If there are any claims being processed for water damage, you will want to stay in close communication with your insurance company about the process. There may be a deductible that you need to pay first, and then there may be additional payments that your insurance company makes once the claim is settled.
Clean Up Everything
After the repair work is complete, it is time to clean up everything that was affected by the water. Wash all appliances, furniture, clothes, dishes, and other items that were stored in the basement.
Wipe down all surfaces that had been wetted. Wipe down floors with bleach solution. Finally, wash windows and doors thoroughly using a vinegar and water mixture.
Mold Removal Is Essential After Any Flood Damage
If you find mold after a flood, it is essential that you clean it up immediately. Mold spores are everywhere, but only those that are airborne can grow and spread. If there is mold growing inside your home, then it needs to be removed, too.
It is important to do a thorough job of cleaning and disinfecting every item in your home that was exposed to mold. This includes washing all clothing and bedding that was soaked in the water.
When mold removal is done correctly, it is unlikely that anyone will ever get sick again. But if you aren’t careful, mold can spread throughout the house and cause more problems than you can imagine. If you notice mold growth anywhere in your home, call in a professional immediately.