Following a flood, structural damage is most likely a top concern. However, flood waters in your home could also impact the indoor air quality. If a household member has a pre-existing breathing disorder, black mold can make it even more difficult for him or her to breathe. If your home was recently flooded, here is what you need to know.

Does Mold Always Develop After a Flood?

Mold relies on moisture and nutrients to grow. Flood waters can provide mold the moisture it needs, while wood and upholstery can serve as sources of nutrients. The longer flood waters remain in your home, the more likely it is that mold will develop.

Therefore, it is important that action is taken as soon as possible after a flood to prevent the growth of mold. Unfortunately, the ability to take action can be complicated by flooded roadways and safety concerns, such as downed power lines.

What Should You Do After the Flood?

As soon as you are able to enter your home, it is imperative that you take steps to ventilate your home. Open your windows and doors to invite fresh air into your home. To help circulate the air, turn on your heating and cooling system and place fans near windows.

You also need to inspect your home for signs of mold damage. Mold can usually be found on the walls and the ceiling. Not all mold is visible, though. It can also hide within the walls and beneath flooring. Mold can even get into your home's ducts. If it does enter your duct work, when your heating and cooling system is operating, spores can be spread in your home through the vents.

If your home has been flooded, consider hiring a professional like those at SLC Environmental to check for hidden mold.

What Can a Professional Do?

A professional mold removal service can do more than just a visual inspection of your home. A technician can take samples from various areas of your home to determine if there is mold.

Once mold has been discovered, removal services can occur. In addition to removing the mold, technicians can decontaminate damaged materials, dry materials so that they are no longer vulnerable to mold, and also take prevention methods to keep the mold from developing again.

For the health and safety of your household, work with a mold removal service to ensure your home is free of mold.