September – How to Handle Water Damage and Mold

1. Begin by trying to lower the humidity inside your home. If its possible to
obtain a dehumidifier, install it in the most affected area. (Home Depot or
equipment rental companies have dehumidifiers.)
2. Any drywall, carpet and pad, baseboards or flooring needs to be
removed to expose the wood framing behind.
3. Once the wood framing is exposed, put fans on the wood to push airflow
across the surface.
4. If you have a crawlspace and its insulated, remove the insulation. It is going
to help dry out the subfloor faster.
5. If you have mold, please wear a respirator. The mold drywall can be
bagged up.  The framing behind should be sprayed down with an antimicrobial
spray. Due to this being a emergency situation if the only thing
available is bleach, use bleach but dilute it 1 part bleach 10 part water.
Wipe the wood with a clean rag after you spray it.
6. If you have a moisture meter, the dry standard for wood is around 12-
16% if your in that range its considered dry.
7. Getting airflow and lowering the humidity in your home, combined with
removing what is wet, is crucial immediately after a water damage.
8. Please feel free to call me anytime with any questions day or night. I am
serious. I am a Texan as well and want to help in any way possible!
Jorge Perez 408-655-8312