Mold- A Silent Danger After Water Damage

Recent heavy rain is growing a nightmare for homeowners. President of Home Buyers Protection Company, Patrick Casey, frequently sees mold sprouting in dark damp basements. Casey says it's easy to spot on discolored walls and foundations. Soggy carpet is another breeding ground for the mildew. In order to clean it up, Casey says you must eliminate the source. "Whether it be a plumbing leak, a sewer back up, water seepage in the basement through the foundation, any of those things need to be fixed first and then you need to clean up the effected area."

If you think you have mold, there are things some things you need to do to take action to protect yourself. First wear a mask so you protect your airways- second wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands. Finally make sure you expose the area allowing plenty of ventilation to the mold. Casey recommends wearing gloves and a good fungicidal cleaner or a general purpose cleaner like top jobs to scrub it off. If the mold is on drywall, you may need to cut that part of the wall out.

Before you try to clean up mold by yourself, you might want to seek an expert since some forms are dangerous to breathe in. Besides mold sprouting in storm damaged homes, many foreclosured homes are being treated.

back