Jun 20, 2008

Make sure flooded Wood Material dry before rebuilding

Posted by : tootoo
 Wood Material It is vital thatpeople hold off rebuilding after flooding until wood and othermaterials in the home dry out, according to Purdue Universityexperts. Hasty renovation can trap moisture in wood, which may lead torotting and mold growth. "Some people are not letting their houses adequately dry out," saidSteve Cain, Purdue disaster communications specialist. "Rebuildingtoo quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems such asmold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood andwall coverings." The first step toward rebuilding is removing wall and floorcoverings exposed to flood waters, including sheet rock,insulation, carpeting and possibly linoleum paneling or thesubflooring, said Cain, director of the Extension DisasterEducation Network at Purdue. Next, fans and dehumidifiers may be used to help ventilate wetmaterial and remove moisture from the air, said White CountyExtension Educator Denise Schroeder, who helped Hoosiers recoverfrom winter flooding earlier this year. Submerged wood will absorb a large amount of water, said Kevin Cox,CEO of the Hope Crisis Response Network. If enough moisture istrapped in the wood, mold is likely to grow behind walls and maycause people serious health problems in the near or long-termfuture. "Our concern is about people's health," he said. "We know peoplewant to return their home to normal as quickly as possible, but notif that causes long-term health issues." It may takes weeks to dry out the house, Cain said. Before drywall,paneling or other coverings are put up, wood should have a moisturecontent of less than 15 percent. Do-it-yourselfers may be able toborrow or rent a moisture meter from a hardware store orlumberyard. "For severe flooding, you might want to have a building inspectoror a professional, trustworthy contractor inspect the wood beforerebuilding," said Kristi Price, Bartholomew County Extensioneducator. Ventilation is usually the best way to dry things out, Cain said.He advised people to provide an entrance and exhaust opening forair to promote cross-ventilation. He also suggested facing fans outof doors or windows before sealing the rest of the opening, therebycreating a vacuum to more effectively move air. Dehumidifiers also help dry out homes. At optimal conditions, mostresidential models will remove one to two pints of water per hourfrom the air, he said. "We just need to get the word out that people need to slow down onactual repairs that may trap moisture in their houses," Cox said."Actions now should be focused on cleaning and drying out thehome." For more information, read the Purdue Extension publication, "FirstSteps to Flood Recovery," or visit http://www.extension.purdue.edu/floodpub/
 
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