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    jljl's Avatar
    jljl Posts: 37, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Jan 19, 2018, 11:48 PM
    Moisture/mold after flood
    My condo was flooded due to the malfunctioning washing machine from the above unit. My ceiling and carpet were wet. I used a heavy duty floor dryer for 24 hours so everything appears to be dry now.

    Is there any way to determine if there's moisture/mold underneath my carpet and in my ceiling (without getting a professional to come in)? No repair was required. Strata won't do anything. My only concern is moisture/mold/mildew.

    Thank you.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #2

    Jan 20, 2018, 03:37 AM
    You shouldn't have to lift a finger nor spend a dime. The upstairs owner should pay for all of it, or be sued.
    https://www.grainger.com/content/qt-...ure-meters-346. Maybe Home Depot rents good ones?

    Put 4 numbered paper towels on the carpet with a very heavy weight on them for a day or 2. If just the bottom towel gets slightly damp, I'd wait another 3 days and try again.
    I would photograph this, with the date, each time.

    With a one time flood of short duration that is dried out in 24 hrs, there usually isn't time to get moldy. Just keep an eye on the ceiling.
    talaniman's Avatar
    talaniman Posts: 54,327, Reputation: 10855
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    #3

    Jan 20, 2018, 05:40 AM
    You can dry carpeting relatively easily, but the backing requires a lot more, and often is better replaced. I know you may not want the expense of a professional, but you better figure on doing what he does to inspect for any hidden moisture in your ceiling, walls, as well as floors, and take the right actions.

    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...il&FORM=VIREHT

    I highly recommend you contact your condo insurance carrier for guidance, and get a thorough inspection done of ALL the affected areas and let them mitigate your remedial costs through your neighbors insurance.
    jljl's Avatar
    jljl Posts: 37, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jan 20, 2018, 11:19 PM
    Thanks a lot joypulv and talaniman.

    The flood only lasted for a couple of hours, but I didn't manage to get the floor dryer until 24 hours after, I only put a lot of towels on the area to soak up the water.

    Yes I already took pictures. I don't want to involve my insurance and my neighbour is willing to pay (they don't have insurance). Just wanted to save the troubles if everything is all right.

    Thanks for the video, that's really informative.
    jljl's Avatar
    jljl Posts: 37, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #5

    Jan 22, 2018, 11:03 PM
    Sorry one more question. Someone told me that if the water is clean, there wouldn't be any mold. Is that true? It doesn't sound right to me. Thank you.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #6

    Jan 23, 2018, 05:14 AM
    Not true. Mold spores are everywhere, just waiting for a bit of dampness.

    A lot of mold scare is sheer hype, however. I lived in extreme mold in my parents' lower level for years. It was under the carpet on the concrete slab (along with tons of bugs) and inside the walls. Not all mold is going to be ''toxic.''
    jljl's Avatar
    jljl Posts: 37, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #7

    Jan 23, 2018, 10:40 PM
    I see. Thanks for the information. Appreciate it.

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