In addition to foundation integrity and updates to electrical and plumbing, a common concern for homeowners is the development of indoor mold colonies. The question of mold has become more urgent in recent years after several studies done in the early 2000s showed it may have a greater impact on our health than we thought. Other studies completed after Hurricane Katrina set off a massive mold infestation supported these concerns, and in the past 25 years, mold has become a home’s enemy number one. Many types of mold, including the infamous black mold Stachybotrys chartarum, can be harmful to your health. Unfortunately, mold spores are also virtually present everywhere in the air, and it doesn’t take much to create the perfect conditions for a colony to grow. If your building has been impacted by floods or any other circumstances requiring sewage removal, you likely have mold issues if proper steps aren’t taken in cleanup. For professional sewage cleanup in Malvern, PA, and the local region that includes the full mitigation of mold and sanitizing of your building, ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning and Restoration has the skills and equipment you need.
Sewage Cleanup in Your Building
After a flood, your building is almost certainly exposed to wastewaters and sewage since floods often back up city plumbing and overflow septic tanks. As flood waters spread through a community, they bring human waste and all the pathogens present in those substances with them.
Sewage Cleanup to Remove Toxic Material
Because of this danger, any time your home is exposed to flooding, you should seek out professional sewage cleanup services to ensure every toxic material is removed and your building is left in conditions that won’t allow mold growth. Mold growth is common after floods, and with the added factor of sewage exposure, mold can quickly and easily thrive in a home without proper restoration and cleanup.
Mold really only needs three things to grow: moisture, organic matter, and darkness, or low ultraviolet (UV) light.
Moisture
Consistent moisture will support an environment for mold growth. Anywhere in your building that has at least 60% humidity for extended periods of time are at risk of mold growth. This is why mold is often found in bathrooms, under sinks, and in basements. After a flood, moisture may linger in these hidden spots.
Organic matter
Mold consumes cellulose, which essentially means any organic materials in a high humidity space becomes food for the colony to grow. Because sewage in flood water contains a wealth of organics in the form of bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms, mold is happy to inhabit a space exposed to flooding.
Darkness
UV light does kill most molds, so they tend to grow in dark spots indoors. Houses have many dark areas that can allow mold growth, and even sunlight coming in through windows is often not strong enough for active mold control.
Summary
If your home has been exposed to flood water, we can help. For more information about water damage restoration, mold removal, and sewage cleanup in Malvern, PA, contact ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning and Restoration at (610) 524-8003 to reach our main office.