It goes without saying that a major flood or burst pipe can wreak havoc on your home. What you may not know, though, is that one of the most destructive effects of water damage can arise after the moisture has been cleared.
Mold growth can stain your walls, cause structural damage, and threaten the health of your family. Mold spreads by releasing spores into the air, which can travel through your HVAC system to other rooms and cause subsequent outbreaks. These spores can contribute to eye and skin irritation as well as serious allergic reactions. Infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of mold, which can be fatal.
Mold needs a moist environment to thrive, which is why outbreaks are common after floods and pipe leaks. If your home recently sustained water damage or if you noticed a mold outbreak, it’s important that you use a dehumidifier as soon as possible to prevent and/or halt the spread of mold in your home.
Although an air mover can expel water and possibly save your carpet and furniture, only a dehumidifier can reduce the humidity levels in your home. If you need help finding the right emergency drying equipment to prevent mold growth, browse through our site to compare our line of hand-selected commercial drying equipment. You can also call us today at 415-644-5792 to discuss your restoration goals with a mold remediation specialist.
How to Detect Mold after a Flood or Pipe Leak
Mold tends to grow in dark, moist, out-of-the-way areas such as attics and basements. As such, it’s not always possible to see a growth site. Some homeowners first identify mold by its telltale musty smell.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to get a professional mold inspection any time your home sustains water damage. At ARC, our team uses the latest technology including high-resolution thermal imaging cameras to identify mold growth and airborne spores.
Can I Remove Mold Growth Without Professional Help?
Some mold strains such as black mold can be lethal. Even if you do not attempt to remove the mold, just touching or otherwise disturbing the site could cause spores to be released into the air, travel through your HVAC system, and lead to subsequent outbreaks in distant rooms of your home. This is why it’s best to leave mold remediation to the experts.
However, one important step you can and should take is to dehumidify your home as soon as possible. Acting quickly could prevent the spread of mold and reduce the overall cost of remediation.
Rent or Buy Commercial Drying Equipment in San Francisco
If you need to rent or buy emergency drying equipment after a flood or pipe leak, call ARC at 415-644-5792 for help finding the best unit for your needs. You can also browse our website to compare our hand-selected line of commercial drying equipment.