Home flooding tips/Inspection Atlanta/Mold awareness.

One of the first things you should do when your home has been flooded is to open windows to allow air circulation.If electrical service has been restored. When a home has been flooded for a sort time. IN Atlanta where homes were under water for several days,Sheetrock,flooring,and framing studs. However, homes that haven't been flooded for a long time,the main concern will be removal of the drywall and primary concern will be remove the insulatiing material from the walls which needs done as soon as possible.Fiberglass insulation holds water for a verylong time.Wall might appear dry from a outward appearance have beenopen 6 months after,and the insulation has the same level of water it held when first flooded.This provides an ideal environment for decay-causing bacteria to form in the wall.It may take months or years,but the walls framing material will decay,and severe structural damage may occur.All flood-damaged plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical appliances and related systems should be replaced, rather than repaired.

Many houses will experience mold growth following flooding.excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your family.People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Recognizing Mold You may recognize mold by:

• Sight (Are the walls and ceiling discolored, or do they show signs of mold growth or water damage?)· Smell (Do you smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench?)

Safely Preventing Mold Growth-Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Use fans to dry out the building.

· When in doubt, take it out! Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home. Porous, noncleanable items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, clothing, leather, paper, wood, and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold may cause allergic reactions in some people.