I have lived in my home for nearly ten years. During those ten years, I apparently had some unwelcome tenants eating the wood in my basement. I found out that there were termites destroying my home and that I was going to have to get some serious repair work done. The damage that those tiny insects caused to my home left me bewildered. I had thought about attempting the damage repairs myself, but quickly realized that it would be work better left to the professional damage contractors. If your home has been eaten by termites, take a few moments to visit my site to find out what all really needs to be done to ensure the damage is repaired and those pests don't return.
damage restoration after termite infestation
Avoiding Mold After A Flood Situation
Christopher Mitchelle
If you have had flooding occur in your home, mold can grow quickly due to the moist conditions it needs to thrive. Removing flood water and drying out the affected area immediately will help to prevent mold from beginning to grow. Here are some tips to follow in getting your home back to livable condition without worrying about the chance of a black mold buildup in the process.
Water Removal
Hiring a water damage restoration service such as All American Repair Services Inc. is the best way to make sure your home is properly cared for, but if you are unable to get service promptly due to other homes in your area experiencing flooding as well, you may need to start the process on your own.
Have a few friends help you scoop water out of your home using buckets. Make sure everyone puts on clothing and gloves to protect their skin from harmful bacteria that may be in the flooded area. Dump the water in an area lower than your home's foundation so it does not work its way back inside. If you have a power source available, use an extension cord and a water pump to remove the flood water from your home.
Drying Process
When the bulk of the water is removed, dry the area completely to help avoid harmful mold from growing. Remove any moist drywall pieces using a drywall knife. Take out any insulation and direct a fan toward the wooden beams in the walls to help remove moisture. Install new insulation and drywall when the wood is completely dry.
Rip up the edge of any carpeting and feel underneath to see if the carpet pad is saturated. If so, hold the carpeting up with a few short pieces of furniture, such as benches or stools, and direct air underneath with a fan so the pad dries. If this method does not work or if the power has not yet been restored in your home, the carpet will need to be removed and the padding should be replaced. Have your carpeting professionally cleaned and dried before putting it back into place.
When the power is restored, place area fans around the room to aid in quicker drying time. Leave windows and doors open to allow the area to receive cross-ventilation, as well. Warm, dry air is best at removing any moisture in the area, so placing a small heater in the area can be beneficial.
Mold Precautions
To help keep mold from forming, anything below the water line needs to be disinfected and sprayed with a mold killing solution. Use a mild detergent to spray any affected areas. Scrub all flooring, walls, and furniture that may have been in the area. Afterwards, make a mixture of one cup of bleach and one gallon of water and place some of it inside a spray bottle. Spray down any area where water had touched. This will kill mold spores and keep them from growing. Leave it on the surface for continued mold deterring action.
Share