Flooding can be a traumatic experience, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. While the water damage is obvious, one of the less obvious, but potentially more dangerous, consequences of flooding is the growth of mould. Mould thrives in damp environments, and floodwaters can create the perfect conditions for its growth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dangers of mould after a flood, the importance of timely remediation, and what steps you need to take to protect your property and your health.
Understanding Mould
Mould is a type of fungus that can cause serious health problems if it is not properly remediated. Allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory issues are common health problems associated with exposure to mould. To minimise the risk of these problems, it’s important to understand how mould grows and how to prevent it from spreading.
How does mould affect people?
Exposure to mould can cause a range of health problems, including nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheezing, and respiratory infections. It can also worsen asthma and allergic conditions. People with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma, or lung diseases are more susceptible to mould exposure.
Preventing Mould Growth
The key to preventing mould growth after a flood is quick action. It’s essential to remove water and dry out the affected areas as soon as possible. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment. In severe cases, it may be necessary to bring in a professional water damage restoration company to assist with the cleanup and drying process.
Cleaning and Remediating Mould
Once the affected areas have been dried out, the next step is to clean and remediate any existing mould growth. This process requires special cleaning products and techniques, and in some cases, it may be necessary to bring in a professional mould remediation company. If you have insurance cover, this may be something that is covered within your policy.
Filing an Insurance Claim
If you have been affected by a flood, it’s important to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Your insurance company will inspect the damage and determine what coverage is available to you. It’s important to document all damage (including taking photographs), including any mould growth, to ensure that your insurance claim is handled properly.
Preventing Future Mould Growth
The final step in protecting your property and your health is to address the underlying causes of the mould growth. This may involve repairing leaks, improving ventilation, and making other changes to the home or property. By taking these steps, you can help prevent future mould growth and ensure that your home or business remains safe and healthy.
Insurer rejecting cover for mould?
If your insurer has rejected your mould claim, the first step is to review your insurance policy and the specific reason given for the denial. If you believe the insurer’s decision is incorrect, you can try to appeal the decision by providing additional evidence or documentation to support your claim. Depending on the circumstances, it may require you to obtain an expert report to support that the mould contamination is related to the claimable event. It’s important to act quickly, as the long you leave it the harder it will become to link the claimable event as the proximate cause of the mould contamination. If you need any assistance, or if your insurer has declined to cover mould, we might able to help you. Book a free consultation on our Facebook page or give us a call on 1300 219 469.
Conclusion
Flooding can be a traumatic experience, but quick action is necessary to prevent long-term problems like mould growth. By filing an insurance claim, removing water and drying out the property, cleaning and remediating any existing mould, and addressing the underlying causes of the problem, you can help ensure that your property is properly restored and your health remains protected. If you need assistance with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company or a professional water damage restoration or mould remediation company for help.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not consider your personal situation. It is strongly advised that you seek professional legal or financial advice before taking any action based on the information provided in this blog.