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2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 515

Chapter 19, Water Damage and Mold Remediation

The first part of this chapter focuses on cost estimates for dryout (also known as restorative drying). The
second part covers mold remediation. The two topics (dryout and mold remediation) are often
complementary. Prompt dryout avoids mold. Even when mold isn't the direct result of a flood or a leak,
much of the work required for mold remediation is similar to what's needed when a building is flooded.
The estimates in this chapter cover both dryout and mold remediation from beginning to end.

Three notes of caution:
[ ] First, some states license either dryout contractors or mold
remediation contractors, or both. Be sure you have the license or
certification required in your community before taking on a
dryout or mold remediation job.

[ ] Second, mold may be a problem on some dryout jobs. If you see
evidence of mold when handling a dryout job, address the mold
issue before starting to move air (and mold spores) around the
premises.

[ ] Third, most dryout and mold remediation won't be covered by
insurance. For example, melting snow, leaks from a wornout
roof, dry rot, and rising water aren't usually covered. The owner
probably has coverage for sudden and accidental losses like a
broken pipe, wind-driven rain or an overflowing toilet.

Building Dryout
Flooding affects a home in at least three ways:

1.Water will damage most construction materials. For example,
wallboard disintegrates when wet for too long. Wood can swell,
warp and rot. Electrical parts can short out and corrode. Wet fiber
insulation loses nearly all insulating value.

2. Mud, silt and waterborne contaminants create a health hazard.

3. Dampness promotes growth of mildew, mold and fungus.

A wet building and the contents should be dried out as soon as possible, whether moisture is from
flooding (rising water) or casual water (such as from a broken pipe or roof leak), or the result of fighting a
fire.