When a natural disaster like flooding overtakes a house, extensive flood damage repair will be needed to preserve what is left. Few things cause as much destruction as water. Water causes severe problems for the materials found in carpet, fabric, drywall and furniture. While it will take a few days before issues start showing up, once they do, it is already too late.

Any professionals that are hired to perform flood damage repair should be Cleantrust certified. To secure this certification, the flood damage repair company has to take a number of classes and be approved by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

It may seem like flood damage repair is a straightforward process, but it is much more complex than it appears at face value. It is not enough to just throw away furniture and fabric that is wet, though this is a good first step. Professionals in the industry have access to a number of tools that allow them to detect dangerous levels of moisture. These experts can detect what is likely a hotspot for mould, and they can confirm the presence of microbial agents in the walls or floor.

The only way to save anything, though, is to act quickly. Mould can begin to set in between 48 -72 hours after materials are soaked. Once it starts growing, it is difficult to rein in. Anyone entering a home with mold should wear an organic vapor respirator, hand and eye protection, and waterproof protective clothing. In general, anything that is permeable and retains water over a long period of time should be disposed of.

A professional will also be needed to effectively treat any mold growing in these areas. He or she will also need to determine when all material has dried sufficiently. Once this flood damage repair is done, it may be possible to rebuild and move back into the home.

Article from IICRC

Full article at www.iicrc.org/finding-company-perform-flood-damage-repair-a-36.html