Can Mold-Damaged Materials Be Salvaged After a Flood?

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Woodside, PA home

What Can And Cannot Be Salvaged After A Flood

Mold grows rapidly. It can begin growing within 24 hours of water exposure. Anything that can’t be completely dried within 48 hours will generally be unsalvageable. Therefore, the mold cleanup process should commence as quickly as possible.
Here’s what typically can and cannot be salvaged after a flood due to the risk of mold damage:

1. Wooden Furniture
Wood is porous. That means that wooden furniture can easily soak up water. It can warp, but if you catch it soon enough, you might be able to dry it in time. If the humidity outside is lower than indoors, taking it outside could help. Take all removable drawers and shelves out to dry separately.

2. Decorations
Some decorations will be easily salvageable, while the water will destroy others. Glass and some plastic and other non-porous items should be fine after a thorough cleaning. Surprisingly, mold remediation experts can often restore paintings using professional techniques and equipment.

3. Flooring
After a flood, most flooring types will have to be replaced, sometimes even the subfloor, if the moisture has made its way that far. Carpets and rugs are usually soaked through to the pad. Carpets and padding typically won’t be salvageable since they’re generally impossible to dry in time to avoid mold growth. Some mold spores are likely to be already trapped in the carpet fibers (mold is virtually everywhere and is consistently tracked in from the outdoors). Mold cleanup can be challenging, if not impossible, on carpeting. Hardwood and laminate flooring will often warp and buckle when exposed to a significant amount of water. Mold can grow on and under flooring, as well as in its tiny crevices.

4. Upholstery
Water-soaked fabrics will usually be unsalvageable. Upholstered furniture such as sofas probably won’t dry quickly enough. These fabrics can be a haven for mold due to its porous nature. They can also soak up a large amount of water in cushions.
When your home in Woodside, PA, experiences water damage, mold damage can occur before you know it. If you’ve already discovered an infestation, swift water and mold cleanup is critical to the outcome of your home’s condition.