It can happen to anybody. Whether your water heater failed and spilled all over your basement or a freak storm caused flash flooding, water damage leads to all sorts of problems. If you’re concerned about mold control or just want to get your basement usable again, call State Wide Waterproofing in Jefferson City, MO, to deal with the mess. Here, they discuss a few other steps you should take to make sure your house gets back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Mold Control & More: 4 Steps to Take to Fix Water Damage 

1. Remove All Contaminated Drywall

Mold control is at the top of your list, as spores can cause respiratory illness and trigger allergies. To prevent it from growing on your basement walls, you will need to remove all the drywall that has been damaged up to six inches above the visible water line. 

2. Use Bleach & Baking Soda

The next step is to put up clean boards, but first, you’ll need to sanitize all the surfaces that were under water. Using a solution of bleach, wash down the floors, remaining walls, and stationary objects. After that dries, wash the walls with a solution of baking soda and water, as it provides inexpensive and good mold control. 

3. Dehumidifiers Really Work

After everything is clean, it must be thoroughly dry before you continue with the drywall repairs. Set up a dehumidifier so all fabrics, upholstery, metal, and paper can dry out.  Good mold control includes maintaining an arid environment. If you require assistance in removing all your wet drywall or cleaning up after a flood, contact your local emergency cleaning service to ensure you maintain a home that is a healthy place for your entire family.

4. Inspect Your Foundation

It’s possible for mold to travel from your drywall to the foundation, and this is much harder to eradicate. If you’ve had an ongoing water problem, slow seepage may have causes cracks or other damage to your foundation. Have a professional do a thorough inspection to see if you need any major or minor foundation repairs. Solving this problem right away will protect your home from issues down the road.

For most people, tackling a DIY water damage program is too much. Call the pros from State Wide Waterproofing in Jefferson City at (573) 636-5079 for advice on your next steps and an estimate. You can also visit their website for a complete list of services that will have your basement clean and dry in no time.