Basement flood clean up is an important task and needs to be done properly to prevent the start of mold problems. Mold can grow in damp areas, so it is important that all basement walls, floor joists, insulation, ducts and floor boards are dry and completely clean from any water or moisture. It is important to also keep the basement area well-ventilated to avoid dampness. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to basement flood clean up.
Basements should be completely air dried after cleaning. Drying materials to create that air dry feeling will help prevent mold and mildew from growing. Drying metal items exposed to flood water, mud or soil with dry, clean water and a soft, dry cloth. Let heavy mud deposits on heavy metal items, like sculpture, to completely dry first. Caked mud will only be removed later. If allowed to stay, heavy mud will also rot and can become very hazardous.
Make sure that there is no remaining moisture when cleaning and drying materials. Waterproof materials will dry faster and prevent the formation of mold and mildew on drying. In addition, you may want to consider using a mold inhibitor on objects that are not water-resistant. Mold inhibitors prevent moisture-causing organisms from bonding with objects. Mold inhibitors are also helpful for cleaning and drying purposes.
Use fans to dry off and remove excess moisture from any damaged areas. Air conditioners should also be utilized if needed to further dry the basement. Remember to check on the heating and cooling units to make sure that they are working properly before drying the basement.
Dehumidifiers are a great way to go about cleaning and drying your basement without creating mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers can help reduce basement humidity, which can increase the growth of mildew and mold. In the event that the humidity becomes too high, you can consider using a basement dehumidifier. Basement dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, thereby reducing the amount of moisture in the room. This is an excellent way to avoid the need for a full-fledged basement cleaning.
After cleaning and drying, it is important to begin basement flood clean up. Most basements are completely saturated with flood water. It is best to start outside the walls. If this water is allowed to sit, it could lead to structural damage and mold growth. It is also possible for water to seep into the interior of the walls, creating a dangerous situation. The sooner that the water is removed from the basement, the less likely it is that it will cause structural damage or allow mold to grow.
When sewage is the cause of a flooded basement, a professional will need to be brought in to assess the damage and see what can be done. Most basements are equipped with sewage removal systems, but there may be some areas in which the only option is to pump the sewage away. While pumping out the sewage is effective and may remove much of the contaminated water from the basement, it can also dislodge and trap debris within. Disposing of waste properly after a flood can significantly reduce the chances of causing additional flooding or damage to the area around the affected house. There are many disposal options available, including skid-steers and trucks equipped with waste containers.
A number of steps must be taken in order to make sure that all water has been cleaned up and that the area is dried and safe. A professional will need to survey the area and make sure that all drains and outlets have been clear water free of debris. The pumps and sewage cleaning systems should also be inspected for damaged or blocked pipes. All water and all debris must be removed from the area, so allowing the area to air dry is essential. Following a flood clean up, keeping a basement well-ventilated is key to maintaining an optimal health environment.