There are a lot of things that can happen when your basement floods. Property damage, water removal expenses, carpet cleaning or replacements, to name a few. But even after you’ve tackled the big jobs, there is another threat: mold. It’s one of the main concerns one might have when it comes to keeping their home clean and healthy. Not only is mold generally unpleasant and unsightly, it can also give occupants of your house allergic reactions or cause irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. This could mean sneezing, runny noses, and rashes… oh my!
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can grow in “paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery”, in addition to any areas of the home with a lot of moisture (“Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness”). So how do you know if your home has mold? Common signs are a musty odor and discoloration of surfaces and fabrics, like carpets. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) website states, “At especially high risk for mold growth [is] carpeting located below ground level in basements,” (Gromicko). Professional carpet cleaning services can cost up to $2,000 while DIY treatments require scrubbing the affected toxic areas with bleach or dishwashing detergent. However, if the suspected mold is a result of flooding and the carpet is wet for a substantial amount of time, it is likely you will have to replace the carpet altogether. The cost for carpet replacement is anywhere between $700 and $2500.
As the InterNACHI puts it, “The best method for combating mold is to not allow mold growth in the first place”, (Gromicko). Easier said than done, right? Well, on the list of possible threats for mold, you can cross off basement flooding from clogged outdoor drains. The Drain Defender is a cover that is placed over your existing drain to prevent debris and leaves from causing water buildup. It is ideal for use in walk-out basements and will help keep you out of the 1 in 50 insured homes that will file a claim for water-related property damage this year. No more soggy carpets and no more mold from flooding.
SOURCES:
Gromicko, Nick. “Carpet Mold: Identification, Prevention and Removal.” NACHI, International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, https://www.nachi.org/carpet-mold.htm#:~:text=Inhaling%20or%20touching%20mold%20or,a llergic%20reactions%20in%20sensitive%20individuals.&text=Molds%20can%20also%20cause% 20asthma,allergic%20and%20non%2Dallergic%20people. 23 July, 2020.
Howard, Leah. “How to Get Mold out of Carpet”. Second Nature, Second Nature Home Wellness, https://www.secondnature.com/blog/around-the-house/removing-mold-from-carpet. 23 July, 2020.
“Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance.” III, Insurance Information Institute, 2018, https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance. 23 July, 2020.
“Can You Save Carpet After a Flood?” CONSTRUCTEAM, https://www.restoreitright.com/can-you-save-carpet-after-a-flood/. 23 July, 2020.
“Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Dec, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm. 23 July, 2020.
