Prevent Mold and Other Secondary Damage

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Untreatted water damage can lead to black mold.

Molds exist naturally and over thousands of years have developed the ability to survive in harsh conditions. However, some circumstances provide an open invitation for black mold and other varieties to move in:

• High humidity levels
  
• Organic materials
  
• A day or two
  

When flooding, pipe leaks, or other water damage has affected your Salt Lake City, UT, commercial property mold growth is a concern as part of the possible secondary damage.

A Second Wave of Trouble

It's not surprising that water causes a significant amount of property damage, and property owners generally move quickly to prevent lasting destruction. Secondary damage, on the other hand, sometimes goes unnoticed until the problem has grown to expensive proportions. When water is allowed to sit for days or even hours, new damage occurs:

• Black mold growth
  
• Corrosion
  
• Electrical damage
  
• Wood rot
  

The damage caused directly by flooding or a burst pipe is primary damage, and the damage that develops as the water sits is secondary.

Your Best Course of Preventative Action

It is possible to prevent or at least limit secondary water damage. After addressing the initial event, it's time to take preventative steps:

• Work quickly to combat high humidity caused by evaporating water. The added moisture in the air warps and weakens building materials, such as wood and drywall. Remove water, plug in fans, and increase ventilation as much as possible.
  
• Make sure that all surfaces are completely dry. Mold often lurks behind the walls, in the vents, and under the carpets. Ensure the safety of your commercial property by hiring cleanup and restoration professionals with the experience and resources to locate and address problem areas.
  
• Chemical biocides are usually required to ensure that existing mold is treated successfully. It is also necessary to prevent future colony growth. Some filtration devices and sanitization techniques remove spores before they settle on vulnerable surfaces.
  

Don't give black mold time to cause secondary damage. Act quickly when water affects your property to completely dry and clean all surfaces to protect your property's long-term survival.