Avoiding Mould: Clean-up After A Flood

With the wet spring that we’ve had so far, basement flooding is a real risk for many homes in Toronto and the GTA. Along with damage, flooding brings another risk that can linger long after—mould.

Mould Growth
As a matter of fact, mould spores can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours if moisture lingers and does not dry. That leads to the first, and foremost, principle when you are faced with having to clean up after a flood.

The sooner, the better!

• You may not be able to prevent all damage from a flood, but quick action will definitely minimize the extent of it.
• Be thorough—even if an area just feels damp, without any standing water, it can be a breeding ground for mould spores.

Remember, mould only needs moisture and a food source—such as the cellulose based materials in carpet and even drywall—to thrive. It can appear in, walls, furniture, carpets, flooring, curtains and other fabrics.

Dangers of Mould
If left to grow unchecked, or improperly cleaned up, mould can cause a host of health problems, including worsening allergies, asthma, chronic nose, throat, and eye irritation, and more. These are your first steps towards preventing mould growth.

• Disconnect any power cords, and switch everything off;
• Move anything you can out of the room, including furniture and electronics (the latter, if wet, are likely a write-off in any case);
• Pull up and remove any carpeting, including underpadding—this too is likely a write-off;
• Cut out any drywall that has gotten wet.

The next step is to remove the water. For smaller amounts and areas, old towels and buckets are the old fashioned way that still works. A wet/dry vacuum, or even a small sump pump, available at a typical hardware store, is a good choice if there is more, provided it is feasible to use electricity.

• Once you’ve removed all the water and moisture that you can, fans and a dehumidifier will help to dry out the area more thoroughly. If you can open windows to allow for a through draft, that’s ideal—provided it has stopped raining.
• Now, you will want to use a good disinfectant to sanitize the area, including the walls, baseboards, and any surface that came into contact with flood water.

At this point, you’ve done all you could to help prevent the spread of mould after a flood. Still, you may find that mould has developed under the floor, or behind a wall where you didn’t see it.

We Can Help
If you have mould issues in your home, you can trust the experienced mould removal experts at GreenStream Environmental to take care of it for you. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.