Ice Dam Damage
Drying Out
Proper drying often involves discarding wet carpets and carpet pads because they trap moisture and hamper drying. If the flood was extensive, it may be helpful to remove the baseboards, and wall board.
Use a combination of the following:
- Wet vacuums to remove standing waterFans to move air – goal is rapid drying!
- Dehumidifiers to dry the air are helpful, dehumidifiers can dry and maintain air humidity levels between 30%Relative Humidity [RH] and 50%RH it will help everything else in the area dry faster.
- Consult a specialist in mold remediation, flood damage or carpet drying.
- Open walls and ceilings as needed
- Remove and discard wet insulation
- Throw out anything that cannot be cleaned—when molds get inside materials like carpets and mattresses, they cannot be cleaned.
- Molds in bedding, curtains, drapes and clothes can be cleaned.
Mold Rule of Thumb:
Black mold is NOT always toxic. There are thousands of different species of mold and many are black in color and there is no way to tell if mold is toxic just by looking at it. Be wary of any mold remediation company that tells you that you have toxic mold just by looking at it.
The only way I’m aware of determining if you have toxic mold is to sample and have it tested by a qualified environmental lab. There are mold testing kits you can buy and send to a lab for testing for an additional fee. Many hardware stores carry these kits and I’m sure you can purchase them online as well.
Killing Mold:
Bleach has drawbacks, and cannot completely kill mold growing in porous materials. The chlorine in bleach cannot penetrate into porous surfaces such as drywall or wood. The chlorine is left on the surface of porous materials and only the water component of the bleach is absorbed into the material, providing more moisture for the mold to feed on. Bleach is effective at cleaning non-metallic, non-porous and hard surfaces.
Its effectiveness in killing mold is significantly reduced when it comes in contact with residual dirt, which is often present in wall cavities, basements and other areas. Also, bleach water is harsh and corrosive when it comes into contact with electrical components, causing corrosion.
The single best method for eliminating mold in your home is through the use of a certified, mold remediation professional.
I use a chemical called Sporicidin mold remediation which is used in commercial and home environments for cleaning and restoration applications for mold remediation and sewage, and biohazard. It works on plastic, vinyl, latex (rubber), metals, glass, wood, and porcelain products – areas of heavy contamination and staining may be scrubbed with a stiff bristle brush to help speed up the cleaning action and work the product deeper into the substrate. As with any remediation product, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions.