Reducing the Risk of Carpet Mold After Water Damage

Believe it or not, even the smallest amount of water damage to carpets can add up to extremely costly amounts of home damage. Though the damage is typically more apparent and readily visible after a disastrous event like flooding, even tiny amounts of moisture can wreak havoc on the value of your property. This time of year it isn’t uncommon for homeowners to find that they have pipe damage due to cold winter temperatures that cause pipes to contract and expand with the changes in temperature or as a reaction to ice.

But every homeowner should exercise great caution to ensure that they don’t have small leaks that create a moist environment in their carpet. As we all know, mold loves moist environments, which is one reason why it loves to grow in basements (even if your basement isn’t carpeted). If you’re simply too late spotting the problem, there isn’t much to do except to reach out to a qualified mold remediation and containment service. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of carpet mold after water damage.

Drying Water Damage as Quickly as Possible

Even if your carpets are seemingly tarnished beyond repair, don’t sit around twiddling your thumbs until a repair service arrives to remove the damaged carpet. Instead, make sure you dry out the carpet as quickly as humanly possible. This will prevent mold spores from growing and making copies, and thus avoid a massive outbreak. A wet/dry vacuum cleaner is likely your best tool, but there are other things you need to use to dry out the carpet.

Use Fans to Dry Water Damage

This should seem like a no-brainer, but you also want to use fans to dry out the damaged carpet. But the key thing to remember is that it could take several days for the carpet to dry out completely. Even if you touch the carpet with your bare hands and can’t detect a hint of moisture, it is likely that there is still moisture buried under the carpet. Leave fans running long after the carpet feels dry to reduce the risk of letting mold take hold.

Use a Dehumidifier

You’ll also want to make sure that you use a dehumidifier. In some cases, the moisture can actually spread to other areas of a room or home through the air, only to condense on a cool surface and create another area that is favorable to mold growth. But a dehumidifier will help dry out the air, causing fans to be more effective at drying the carpet.

Seeking Professional Assistance in Chicago

Mold is a serious threat that can damage the value of your home and the health of your loved ones, so contact A. Roto Restoration. Our services are available in Villa Park, Lombard, Elmhurst, Bensenville Schaumburg, Roselle, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, and the greater Chicago area. Don’t give mold the opportunity to ravage your home by reaching out for professional water damage repair and mold remediation professionals.