Disaster specialist: After flooding, let materials dry before starting house repairs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As floodwaters started to recede in some areas of St. Joseph’s County and elsewhere in northern Indiana, a Purdue University disaster education specialist cautioned residents returning to their homes about another potential threat to their health and property - mold.

To prevent mold development in flood-damaged houses, Steve Cain, Indiana state contact for the national Extension Disaster Communication Network, advised homeowners to wait until wood and other materials dried out completely before starting repairs.

“The tendency is to get to work as soon as possible, but that could lead to problems later,” Cain said. “Putting up insulation, drywall or paneling before the wood studs have completely dried out could trap moisture in the walls and lead to mold growth.”

Household mold could cause a number of potentially serious short-term and long-term health problems, including nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose and respiratory problems.

Those at highest risk for mold exposure are children and the elderly.

“We often get calls from people after a flood who have experienced these types of symptoms and suspect they have a mold problem,” Cain said. “Mold growth can occur weeks or even months after the flood, so it is important to wait for the right time before beginning repairs.”

Before starting a renovation project, homeowners should remove all wall and floor coverings exposed to floodwaters, including sheet rock, insulation, carpeting, and, if necessary, linoleum paneling or subflooring.

“Using fans and dehumidifiers can help ventilate the air and remove moisture from wet materials,” Cain said.

Signs of mold include musty odors and stains on ceilings and walls. Mold can grow on a variety of organic materials including paper, textiles, grease and dirt as well as wood.

Wood studs should have a moisture content of less than 15 percent before any wall coverings are installed, Cain said. Homeowners can buy or rent a moisture meter from a local hardware store or lumberyard.

“The cost is typically less than $20,” Cain said. “It is a good investment.”

If damage is extensive, homeowners should consult a professional contractor or building inspector before proceeding with repairs, Cain said.

Purdue Extension offers a number of online resources for owners of flood-damaged homes at https://ag.purdue.edu/extension/eden/Pages/mold-overview.aspx. The publication First Steps to Flood Recovery can be downloaded for free from Purdue Extension’s The Education Store at http://www.edustore.purdue.edu – search for product code ACS-101-W.

A video, Flood Recovery: Introduction is available on the EDEN YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxpsauYfZ-w&list=PL18DBB01A9500BBE9.

St. Joseph’s County and other parts of the north-central Indiana region known as Michiana received almost nine inches of rain during a storm Aug. 15-16. The total of 7.69 inches of rain that fell in South Bend on Aug. 15 set a record for most rainfall on any date in the city. Flooded streets were closed, and more than 700 homes were evacuated. Initial damage estimates exceeded $4 million. 

Writer: Darrin Pack, 765-494-8415, dpack@purdue.edu 

Source: Steve Cain, 765-494-8410, cain@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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