1/31/19: Sub-Freezing Weather has arrived in the Northeast. Freezing weather raises concerns over the safety of family members, pets and buildings. Frozen water lines and heating/cooling coils can cause water damage and mold growth to carpet, furniture personal belongings and building materials. Timely professional assessment and response can reduce these losses.
If water damage occurs from frozen pipes, a timely professional assessment is essential! Water damage will support abnormal mold growth within 48 to 72 hours, so getting an accurate assessment and removing wet building materials within the 1st 24-48 hours is key to minimizing mold growth. This can increase the likelihood that carpets can be saved and downtime reduced.
Whether at a School, Commercial Building, Healthcare Facility or Residential Dwelling, Facility Managers should consider the following Tips for preventing and responding to water damage associated with freezing weather:
Water Damage Response Tips
- Determine if the water source is Clean Water (category 1), Grey Water (Category 2 – some biological loading), or Black Water (Category 3 – heavy bacterial/fecal loading). This determines the type of clean-up required to return the building to a healthy environment.
- Determine the extent of water infiltration into building materials including carpets, padding, sheet rock, plywood, sub-floors, insulation and other materials. ESMCorp has specialized moisture measuring and Infra-Red Thermography equipment to help you determine the extent of water damage. It is important to get this assessment done prior to extensive drying, so that the full scope of water damage can be determined and drying efforts can be directed where needed. Call us first!
- Arrange for fast professional safe removal of heavily water damaged building materials quickly (within 24-48 hours) to prevent mold growth. We can assist you in arranging professional water damage mitigation with independent restoration contractors.
- Verify Drying Effectiveness and Normal Air Quality prior to Restoration of Removed Building Materials.
Following these strategies can help minimize the extent of damage and interruption of normal activities when water damage occurs.
Call Dr. Richard Lynch, Ph.D., CIH, CMC, CMRS, CHFM today at 856-764-3557 for water damage assessments, indoor air quality or mold testing.
Choose the Expert for:
- Carbon Monoxide, Indoor Air Quality and Mold Testing
- Water Damage and Mold Assessments
- Post Water Damage Cleanup Verification Testing
Stay Safe!
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