Pipes Frozen, Water Damage, What Next?
Mold is like roaches.
The pipes were frozen and when they thawed, they leaked everywhere. What now? What should you do next? Mr. Duct Cleaner recommends after you have called your insurance company and taken lots of pictures, that you start by drying things up.
After the source of the water has been fixed, use mops, towels, and blankets to soak up the excess water. Aerate the space as much as possible. Run a fan. Clean up all the standing water you can access. Water likes to travel into particleboard and drywall. If you cannot access it but know it is there, call a restoration or remodel company and get professional help. (We have folks we recommend).
The biggest no-no? DO NOT USE BLEACH! A solution of vinegar and water is a lot more effective in killing mold and deterring growth and it does not harm the surfaces as bleach does.
The longer the water sits and soaks in the more likely it is to do long-term damage. Mold needs moisture and warmth to grow. You might be thinking because it is cold outside that mold will not grow. However, your home is warm. Mold grows at 60 degrees or higher temperatures. So, if you keep your house warm and you have moisture hanging out it is highly likely that mold will start to grow. And when you turn on your HVAC system, the mold spores can possibly travel into your unit and through your air ducts where it is warm, wet, and moist.
Do not overlook cleaning your HVAC system and air ducts after you have had a water event clean-up in your house. Mr. Duct Cleaner thinks of mold as we think of roaches. If you see one roach, you know there are lots most likely hiding somewhere nearby. If you see a few mold spots on your vents, there is a good chance there is lots of mold in your ducts and your HVAC unit.
The best practice is to have Mr. Duct Cleaner clean your HVAC system after the plumbers and restoration crews have finished. Mold that has started to grow will be cleaned out of the system. Contact us for your FREE estimate.