Eliminating Bad Odors After Flood Damage: Expert Tips for a Fresh and Clean Home

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

Bad odors after a flood can be frustrating.

Flood and water damage can cause a host of problems, one of which is unpleasant odors that linger long after the water has receded. These odors can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, mold, and stagnant water. In this blog, we'll explore some effective methods for removing bad odors after flood and water damage.

Identify the Source

The first step in removing bad odors after flood and water damage is to identify the source of the odor. This can be done by inspecting the affected area and looking for signs of mold or mildew, as well as any areas where water may have pooled or become trapped. Once the source of the odor has been identified, steps can be taken to eliminate it.

Air Out the Space

One of the most effective ways to remove bad odors after flood and water damage is to air out the space. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the affected area. Use fans to help increase air flow and promote drying. If possible, run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Clean and Disinfect

Cleaning and disinfecting the affected area is another important step in removing bad odors after flood and water damage. Use a cleaning solution to clean hard surfaces, such as walls, floors, and countertops. For carpets and upholstery, use a steam cleaner to remove any dirt, debris, and bacteria that may be contributing to the odor. It's also important to disinfect any items that have come into contact with floodwater, such as clothing, bedding, and toys.

Use Odor Absorbers

Odor absorbers can be a helpful tool in removing bad odors after flood and water damage. Baking soda, activated charcoal, and white vinegar are all effective natural odor absorbers. Simply place these substances in bowls or jars throughout the affected area and allow them to absorb the odor over time.

Hire a Professional Restoration Company

If the odor persists after taking these steps, it may be time to call in the professionals, such as SERVPRO of North East Chester County. A professional restoration company can assess the extent of the damage and provide specialized equipment, such as air scrubbers and ozone generators, to remove even the most stubborn odors.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with bad odors after flood and water damage is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Make sure to address any leaks or water damage immediately to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry and prevent excess moisture from accumulating. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help prevent bad odors from developing.

In conclusion, bad odors after flood and water damage can be a frustrating and persistent problem. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to eliminate even the most stubborn odors. Remember to identify the source of the odor, air out the space, clean and disinfect, use odor absorbers, and consider hiring a professional restoration company if necessary. By taking these steps, you can restore your home to its pre-damaged condition and eliminate any lingering odors.

3 Types of Damage a Winter Storm May Cause

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

If you have storm damage, call SERVPRO, we respond immediately and begin clean-up procedures pertinently. Contact us for your storm loss emergency!

There Are Three Types Of Damage That A Winter Storm Can Cause.

When winter weather strikes South Pottstown, PA, the resulting icy blasts of below-zero temperatures, high winds and heavy snowfall can have a serious effect on your home. Inspecting your home after a winter storm can help you gauge any type of damage so you can take steps to have it repaired, keeping you and your family safe.

1. Roof Damage

Extreme winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, but few areas are as vulnerable as its roof. High winds can peel off shingles and damage flashing, leaving your attic vulnerable to animals and moisture. Heavy snow can also cause areas of the roof to buckle or droop. If you notice this or other problems after a powerful storm, you can cover the area with a tarp or secure your attic until you can get assistance.

2. Burst Pipes

When temperatures drop below freezing during a blizzard, your home's pipes could expand as water freezes inside them. After several days of frigid weather, outdoor and indoor wall pipes may burst, causing flooding in and around your home. Water damage can cause mold growth and warping of wood flooring and furniture, but insulating your pipes by wrapping them in fabric or insulated foam can prevent this from happening.

3. Ice Dams

Periods of freezing and thawing can cause your home's gutters to malfunction during a winter storm. Clogged or slow-draining gutters may form ice dams, causing water to back up into your home and leave behind considerable water damage to your ceilings and walls. A storm damage and restoration service can assist by clearing and repairing your gutters to ensure they drain properly.

When a winter storm howls through South Pottstown, PA, the resulting damage to your home could be considerable. Knowing what to look for and when to call for assistance for repairs can keep your home and family safe, no matter the weather.

Commercial Storm Preparation

5/8/2022 (Permalink)

You can't prevent a rain storm, but you can keep it from disrupting day to day activities at your workplace.

Storm Preparation For Businesses

Many business owners in Spring City, PA, are inadequately prepared for a major rain storm event. Do you know how to protect your assets and employees in the event of a serious flood damage situation?

1. Site Assessment

One of the simplest things you can do to prepare your company for severe weather is to inspect the site. Ensure that the foundation has no major points of fluid entry and that the roof and gutters direct rainfall away from the base of all buildings. Trim any trees with dead branches, as these can become an airborne hazard during high winds. Most larger buildings will need a lightning rod, which must be maintained and properly grounded. If your site has windows that require storm shutters, draw them at the first sign of trouble.

2. Training and Readiness

Don't forget the human element. Since your employees are your most valuable asset, you must supply your workforce with sufficient information about how to respond to a severe rain storm. For tornadoes, designate an interior hallway on the ground floor as a temporary shelter. For hurricanes and other long-term hazards, ensure that your staff comply with local evacuation orders and other pertinent ordinances. If you keep normal working hours during a potential weather event, stay aware of outdoor conditions through a NOAA radio broadcast or website.

3. Other Considerations

Your insurer can assist you with a business continuance plan should a thunderstorm make normal operations impossible. Retain paper copies and digital backups of all policies, records, and tax information. If you anticipate filing a claim, contact your adjuster as soon as possible. You will also likely need a qualified professional service to help with flood cleanup.

You can't prevent a rain storm, but you can keep it from disrupting day to day activities at your workplace. Safeguard your employees and your inventory by preparing for every type of severe weather.

When Does Mold Growth Follow Flooding?

4/16/2022 (Permalink)

Maintaining low residual moisture levels afterward can prevent mold growth at a residence.

When Does Mold Start To Grow After Flooding?

If flooding has recently affected your home in South Pottstown, PA, you are likely to be concerned about the effects of water damage and mold growth. Fungus may develop within just 24 to 48 hours of primary damage. Restoration experts classify flood water as highly contaminated Category Three Water because it may contain solid waste in addition to bacteria, chemicals and other dangerous debris. Learn more about mitigation measures to limit primary storm or water damage and prevent mold.

The First Two Days

The most important mitigation measures should be taken within the first 24 to 48 hours after flooding occurs. If you have remained at home during a flood, contact a mitigation and restoration service as soon as possible. If you have evacuated, schedule a consultation immediately after returning to a damaged residence. It is ideal to have trained professionals take the following steps within the first two days:

• Assess damage
• Extract standing water
• Tear out damaged materials
• Clean and disinfect

These measures can limit primary damage and discourage mold growth. Porous materials such as carpet, drywall and insulation are difficult to disinfect and may pose an elevated mold risk. These materials should be torn out and the affected area cleaned, disinfected and permitted to dry prior to restoration.

The Week After Flooding

In the event of an evacuation, damage may be left standing for longer than 24 to 48 hours. It is important to take the measures listed above as soon as possible to limit damage. Over the next few days, the affected area should be dried. Storm damage mitigation professionals may recommend using air movers, fans or dehumidifiers.

Ideally, mitigation will commence within 24 to 48 hours of water damage. It is crucial to remove standing water as quickly as possible. Maintaining low residual moisture levels afterward can prevent mold growth at a residence in South Pottstown, PA.

3 Ways To Eliminate Odors After a Flood

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

If this odor is detectable after a flooded residence has been cleaned, disinfected and dried, a homeowner should arrange for professional mold testing

After A Flood, Here Are 3 Ways To Get Rid Of Odors.

Flood water is highly contaminated and can cause undesirable odors to linger at a residence in Phoenixville, PA. Secondary damage, such as mold growth, can intensify a musty smell and cause odors to return even after remediation treatments. Here are three ways to get rid of flood-related odors.

1. Clean and Disinfect the Affected Area

After standing water has been extracted from a residence, it is important to clean and disinfect the area that was flooded. Porous building materials and contents should be considered sewage loss and disposed of, as these materials are difficult to disinfect and may support the growth of odor-causing bacteria or mold. Removing every trace of flood residue is the first step toward banishing undesirable odors.

2. Make Sure Mold Is Not Growing

Homeowners can discourage mold growth by running a dehumidifier to maintain indoor relative humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent. The telltale musty odor associated with mold is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds released as off-gases during the growth cycle. If this odor is detectable after a flooded residence has been cleaned, disinfected and dried, a homeowner should arrange for professional mold testing.

3. Use Odor Remediation Methods

If no indications of active fungus growth are detected, a homeowner can pursue odor remediation. Damage restoration experts may recommend the use of a HEPA air scrubber to filter out odor-causing particles followed by specialized neutralization treatments such as ozone or hydroxyl generation, thermal fogging or vapor modification.

It is necessary to mitigate primary storm or flood water damage and ensure that secondary damage is not present before attempting to eliminate odors. If mold growth is present, odor remediation will not have the desired effect and will only temporarily mask indications of a larger problem. For the best results, homeowners should rely on an all-in-one mitigation and restoration service located in Phoenixville, PA.