Problems Can Still Occur After Your Basement Flood Clean Up Is Completed
June 21, 2010
If you have had to deal with a flood in your basement you probably found the whole thing very stressful; especially if it involved a lot of damage. A clean up after a flood can be a big job; you may have needed to shovel muck and throw away some of your favorite possessions. Getting the job finished likely came as a great relief, but the reality is that you might still have more problems to come. If you didn’t manage to remove all the moisture you might have to deal with mold and mildew in the near future.
What is mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are practically the same thing; they are both types of fungi. The main difference between the two is where you find them; mildew prefers to live on things like fabric while mold is less fussy and will take up residence on any dead organic material. Mold and mildew are not fussy guests but they need moisture to prosper; they spread via spores. If you have a dark place with poor ventilation and a bit of moisture you have just created the ideal conditions for mold and mildew.
Is Mold and Mildew really that Big a Deal?
These two types of fungi can cause problems for not only your home but also you and your family. Once mold catches hold in a building it can be hard to eradicate; some homes have needed to be demolished because it has gotten so bad. The real problem with mold and mildew is that it is dangerous for your health. It has been associated with different respiratory conditions such as asthma and there has even been some concern that black mold might be a cause for cot death/ sudden infant death syndrome. Pregnant women are also advised to keep well away from any mold.
How to Stop Mold and Mildew Occurring after a Flood Clean Up
If you want to prevent mold or mildew following a flood clean up then you will need to make sure that you remove the conditions that attracts this type of fungi. Make sure that you dry your basement completely and ensure that it is well ventilated. You should also keep an eye on your basement over the coming weeks to ensure that no problem arises. If you do this then hopefully your problems will have ended with the clean up.
