Mold showing already after Irene flood clean up!!!

I got about a foot and a half flood in my entire lower level (where the bedrooms are) during Irene. I have already called insurance (I have a flood policy), but I know they are backlogged. However, my child’s bedroom is already showing mold on two of the walls that have sheet rock or plaster (not sure which) covering the brick foundation. The other sheetrock walls show nothing like that yet. Being that it’s my child’s room, should I be freaking out? Honestly I’m sorry if I sound reactionary but I know mold can be a really bad thing. He hasn’t slept in there since the flood, but should I keep him out till it’s repaired (who knows how long that will be), should I take my myriads of photos and pre-emptively rip down the wall pre-payout? He will be back from relatives on Saturday, and while I was planning on having his room put back together the best it could be, now I worry about this mold. Anyone have experience with this?

hooky

in Brownstoner 13 years and 8 months ago

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jhuh | 13 years and 8 months ago

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From the Dept. of Health website: Prevent Mold
Mold can take several days to develop after flooding. Mold growth in indoor environments may
cause allergic reactions in some people and may be an asthma trigger.
• Dry all affected areas quickly and thoroughly.
• Use fans to dry out your home and reduce odors.
Warning: DO NOT run any electrical equipment or appliances near standing water.
• Use a dehumidifier to help dry out enclosed spaces.
• If there is extensive damage, hire a professional to clean and restore your home.
How to Clean Mold
• If the mold problem is small (less than about 10 square feet – roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot
patch), then you can normally handle the cleanup job yourself. Always use waterproof
gloves and consider using safety goggles and a respirator. You may need professional
help if it is a larger area of mold.
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with soap or a detergent and water. Dry completely.
• Throw away moldy ceiling tiles, carpet and other porous material.
• Dispose of any sponges or rags used to clean mold.
• If the mold returns quickly or spreads, you may have an ongoing water/moisture
problem.
• Learn more about how to prevent and clean mold and the health effects of mold by
visiting http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/mold.shtml

denton | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Running an air cleaner with a HEPA filter will help

callalily | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Yes, agree with Deboerarchitec. Also, just FYI, mold will grow if sheetrock is damp for three days. Try aiming fans at the walls to help it dry out.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Move your child out of the room and hire a contractor to take care of the issue.  Don’t wait on the insurance company as it is only going to get worse.

fisherman368 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Be Careful!  especially since this is your child’s room and after flooding like you described. The mold could be an indication of more extensive growth inside the wall cavity.  don’t open this up yourself.  get a professional.  you could make a small issue much worse.