Water can wreak havoc on a property and if not cleaned up properly, can result in mold problems that can cause health-related issues down the line too. Your goal here is to make sure that your family is safe. Deal with the water damage and any resulting mold as soon as possible. It’s the best way to protect your property and your health. Or, better yet, try to avoid water or flood damage and stay mold-free from the get-go.
KnowMold.com has a few tips for what to do in the following situations:
Situation 1: Leaky skylight
Verify that the leak is not actually excessive condensation that has moved along the underside of the glass toward the edge and then dripped down the side of the interior opening. This is most likely in very cold climates, in single-glazed skylights, and in damp locations such as bathrooms and kitchens areas.
Verify that the skylight is fully closed and that any weather seals are in good condition (pliable, not deformed or torn). Problems typically occur when skylights are located in very high ceilings and it’s difficult to see if they’re fully closed. Look carefully at the roofing or flashing on vents and other penetrations further up the roof. A leak there can travel quite a distance before finding its way to an indoor opening at the skylight.
Situation 2: Foundation cracks.
If a concrete expansion joint is missing or compromised, it can cause water intrusion. Use a hydrostatic sealing caulk that can be used to seal gaps between concrete driveway, walks, patios and house foundation. This type of sealing caulk is only useful for horizontal cracks. For vertical epoxy, injection cement may be required. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce excessive moisture in the air. Reconnect (adjust) gutter down spouts; and re-grade planting area so that water flows away from the home.
Situation 3: Visible mold.
If there’s visible mold in the attic (underneath roof decking and roof joist); visible mold underneath sub-floor and floor joint; visible mold on construction materials such as drywall, wood studs, paneling, there are things you can do. For example, use “dry ice” blasting or an effective “mildewcide” to remove mold/mildew from these areas. A disinfection treatment with a mild, antimicrobial solution application should also include the basement, HVAC, and attic. Dry ice blasting or mildewcide can also reduce mold and mildew staining. If the drywall or any other construction materials have been compromised, remove them.
Want to get more tips for how to prevent mold, download the Mold Code Digital Mini Handbook. And, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional who you trust.