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INVESTIGATING,
EVALUATING, AND REMEDIATING MOISTURE AND MOLD PROBLEMS
Table 1:
Water Damage Cleanup and Mold Prevention (6)
Table 1 presents
strategies to respond to water damage within 24-48 hours. These
guidelines are designed to help avoid the need for remediation of mold
growth by taking quick action before growth starts. If mold growth is
found on the materials listed in Table 1, refer to Table 2
for guidance on remediation. Depending on the size of the area involved
and resources available, professional assistance may be needed to dry an
area quickly and thoroughly.
Table
1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention |
Guidelines
for Response to Clean Water Damage within 24-48 Hours to Prevent
Mold Growth* |
Water-Damaged
Material† |
Actions |
Books
and papers |
- For
non-valuable items, discard books and papers.
- Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.
- Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.
|
Carpet
and backing - dry within 24-48 hours§ |
- Remove
water with water extraction vacuum.
- Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.
- Accelerate drying process with fans.
|
Ceiling
tiles |
|
Cellulose
insulation |
|
Concrete
or cinder block surfaces |
- Remove
water with water extraction vacuum.
- Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or
heaters.
|
Fiberglass
insulation |
|
Hard
surface, porous flooring§ (Linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl) |
- Vacuum or
damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub
if necessary.
- Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if
necessary.
|
Non-porous,
hard surfaces
(Plastics, metals) |
- Vacuum or
damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub
if necessary.
|
Upholstered
furniture |
- Remove
water with water extraction vacuum.
- Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or
heaters.
- May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the
piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water
damage professional who specializes in furniture.
|
Wallboard
(Drywall and gypsum board) |
- May be
dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are
intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace.
- Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.
|
Window
drapes |
- Follow
laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the
manufacturer.
|
Wood
surfaces |
- Remove
moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and
fans for drying. (Use caution when applying heat to hardwood
floors.)
- Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild
detergent and clean water and allowed to dry.
- Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.
|
*
If
mold growth has occurred or materials have been wet for more
than 48 hours, consult Table 2 guidelines. Even if materials are
dried within 48 hours, mold growth may have occurred. Items may
be tested by professionals if there is doubt. Note that mold
growth will not always occur after 48 hours; this is only a
guideline.
These guidelines are
for damage caused by clean water. If you know or suspect that
the water source is contaminated with sewage, or chemical or
biological pollutants, then Personal Protective Equipment and
containment are required by OSHA. An experienced professional
should be consulted if you and/or your remediators do not have
expertise remediating in contaminated water situations. Do not
use fans before determining that the water is clean or sanitary.
† If a particular
item(s) has high monetary or sentimental value, you may wish to
consult a restoration/water damage specialist.
§ The subfloor under
the carpet or other flooring material must also be cleaned and
dried. See the appropriate section of this table for recommended
actions depending on the composition of the subfloor. |
6 Please
note that Tables 1 and 2 contain general guidelines. Their
purpose is to provide basic information for remediation managers to
first assess the extent of the damage and then to determine whether the
remediation should be managed by in-house personnel or outside
professionals. The remediation manager can then use the guidelines to
help design a remediation plan or to assess a plan submitted by outside
professionals.
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