If you or someone you know has experienced significant water damage to the interior of your home here are some recommendations for ensuring your home is adequately restored to a safe and habitable condition.
If you or someone you know has experienced significant water damage to the interior of your home here are some recommendations for ensuring your home is adequately restored to a safe and habitable condition.
Any significant water damage event in the home such as a burst water pipe or water intrusion from the roof increases the possibility of mold growth. The likely mold growth and hazardous conditions increases with the amount of water damage and the amount of time the wet conditions persist. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends drying water damaged areas within 24-48 hours of the event (EPA) to reduce the potential for mold growth. It is vital to identify and eliminate the source of the moisture.
It is common for mold to be found in habitable environments. The Minnesota Department of Health notes that “A complex mixture of mold particles normally exists in all occupied indoor environments.” If the levels of mold can be identified by odor or are causing health problems action should be taken to eliminate mold conditions. Such action can often be taken by occupants and property owner without the need for professionals.
When water damage results in visible mold growth the affected materials should be removed or cleaned and dried. The EPA recommends that for areas visibly affected by mold over an area of 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet x 3 feet) one should consider hiring an experienced mold remediation contractor.
For more information you can visit the EPA’s website at. The Minnesota Department of Health also has helpful information on their website here: Minnesota Department of Health. You may also contact Ben Pierson in Code Enforcement by phone at 952.953.2571; or by email at bpierson@ci.apple-valley.mn.us.